Page 9 of Facade

He pulled back for a breath.

I put both hands on his chest and shoved with every ounce of strength I could muster.

He faltered, letting me go, but quickly righted himself and lunged at me with a snarl.

I took the heel of my hand and shoved upwards with everything I had, the exertion leaving me breathless.

Crack.

He cursed and stumbled back from me again, blood flowing between his fingers as he held his broken nose.

The corner of my mouth tilted up, satisfaction burning alongside adrenaline.

“You bitch!” he roared.

I didn’t wait.

I ran.

My feet pounded against cobblestone. If I can just make it to that hole in the wall—

“Don’t turn your fucking back on your betters!”

I glanced over my shoulder.

White fangs flashed.

My dress was suddenly yanked back.

Blood pumped hot beneath my skin as I faced my attacker.

“When I see someone better, I’ll keep that in mind,” I snarled.

He backhanded me.

Stone rushed to meet me. A muffled cry slipped out as my hands caught the brunt of my weight.

He growled, “I’ll teach you some respect. Starting with that fucking mouth.”

The sound of buckles shattered the control I’d fought to keep.

With a war cry, I rolled onto my backside and kicked his legs as hard as I could.

He landed on his knees with a surprised grunt. I scrambled up and kicked him square between the legs.

He howled in pain, his hands covering his manhood.

“Asshole!”

I turned to run, but with his Fae swiftness, he jumped up, grabbing my arm. A string of curses left his mouth as he tried to grab me with his other hand.

My elbow jammed into his eye.

He let go, growling like a rabid beast before he lifted his leg, landing a push kick right into my back, sending me crashing back down. It wouldn’t have been bad, had I not already had the ache deep within.

Blinding, sharp pain shot through my back, making me cry out. The moon’s light cast the male’s shadow over me, sending a cold fear skittering across my spine.

He laughed, low and cruel. “This will be fun.”