Chapter 47

Ava's face displayed a deep frown the moment Norman pushed her back; his hand remained firmly on her arm. "You don't talk to me that way, and I won't simply let you leave, missy," his grip tightened around her arm, but she refused to show any hint of pain. No, she couldn't give him the satisfaction he was looking for. "I am not one of those weak individuals you see in this tribe. Do you hear me, mister?" She replied using his exact tone, her face trying to mask her fear.

This guy was towering compared to her, and she realized she'd been surrounded by imposing men lately: Alex, Damon, and now Lord Norman. But she had grown accustomed to being around Damon, to the point where she was not afraid of anyone. Don't get her wrong, but Damon was far scarier than any of them.

"Nobody is weak here," she said simply.

"Are you sure about that? Because I've seen a lot of weaklings lately, like this little girl standing right before me, and not just any girl but a human," he chuckled as he inched closer. "So you are, and being called a human is already enough to make you weak." He reached out and touched her cheek, irritating to burn through her. "Though I must say," he smiled, contradicting her expectations of a villain's appearance, "you're one attractive human." Then, unexpectedly, he slapped her backside, provoking a strong reaction.

Livid, she lifted her hand and slapped him hard across the face. "How dare you, you shameless bastard," she growled, forcefully pulling her arm from his grip. "Do you have no respect for women?"

"Why should I respect them?" He chuckled callously. "They have nothing to offer except that part of theirs," he said bluntly.

"What do you think, Norman?" she replied with a fake laugh. "Do you think women want anything from you except your tiny ego?" Her audacity surprised her.

Norman's men gasped, but he only grinned. "That's where you're mistaken," he said with an increased smile. "My ego isn't quite like that. I won't overpraise myself; when you see it, I'm sure you'll know."

"You are so shameless and disgusting!" she hissed, and he chuckled.

"Not the first time I've heard that," he said, stepping closer. "I just arrived, and I'd like you to show me around."

"Why don't you find yourself a guide?" she retorted.

"You're not a guide?"

"No," she frowned. "Do I look like one to you?" His blue eyes scanned her up and down, and a suggestive smile appeared on his lips.

"I was hoping you were one," he chuckled. "It would make it easier to have you in my company. I believe you're not a virgin."

She furrowed her brows. "Are you looking for one?"

"Not really," he replied, blunt as ever. "I don't need complications."

Shaking her head, she tried to push aside the thought of harming this man. "Like I said, excuse me. I have somewhere to be."

"Not anymore, sweetheart," he grinned before turning to his men. "Find a suitable room; I have other matters to attend to."

"Yes, milord," they responded.

His attention returned to her. "Show me around."

"Never," she retorted.

"So stubborn," he said, holding her hand. She tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened. With no other choice, she agreed, to take him to the only place she knew—the library. "A library? I was hoping you'd show me your bedroom."

"My bedroom is occupied, and I'm sure he won't be pleased to find you dragging me around. Let me go now."

"And who is this person?" he inquired.

"Who do you think?" Hearing Damon's voice, she turned to the door, finding him looking furious. "Darling, I thought I told you to come to the balcony, didn't I?"

"I was on my way, but..."

"I happened to stop her," Norman interrupted, pulling her closer to him. "I think I've taken a liking to this fragile creature here." Damon chuckled, moved closer, and pulled her to him.

"Can't you find something that doesn't belong to someone?" Damon scowled.

"That wouldn't be fun, Damon, and you know it," Norman responded.

"Spare me the reminiscing of old memories. I never slept with that married woman; it was all you," Damon retorted.

"How funny," Norman chuckled, looking suddenly serious. "She wanted only me." He stopped laughing, his tone turning harsh. "This duel, I plan to win. And when I do, this kingdom and this fine lady will be mine."

"Even if you win, you dare not touch her," Damon warned.

"Why is that? You'll be dead; you won't know what's happening," Norman argued.

Damon chuckled. "You're such a fool, Norman. You still think I'm that weak little boy?" Ava couldn't help but chuckle at that.

"Are you not?" Norman shot back. "You still look pretty weak to me, Damon. Tell me, what has changed? I only see an increase in height, nothing else."

"I don't see why I should continue this conversation," Damon frowned. "Let's go, Ava. I have better things to do than engage in this senseless banter with an imbecile."

"Ava," Norman smiled, "what a lovely name. I'll be sure to remember that when you're beneath me," he yelled for them to hear before Damon shut the door behind them.

"Bastard," Ava muttered.

Damon said nothing else, simply holding her hand and leading her to the room. The grip was strong, and she hissed from the pain. "Damon!" she exclaimed. "You're hurting me."

With no reply, he let go of her hand, closed the door, and ran his fingers through his hair. "Forgive me, Ava," he said. "I hate it when more people grow to like you. It annoys me."

"I am sorry. I don't know what..."

"Don't be," he reassured her, smiling. "It shows me that you can have any man you want but choose to be with me." He kissed her cheek and whispered, "I don't deserve you, but I promise to make you happy."

"Damon..."

"Don't say anything," he urged. "Just stay away from Norman. He's bad news."

"You knew him before now, didn't you?"

"I did," Damon admitted. "He was my childhood friend, one of those who protected me when I was weak."

"You both liked each other as friends?"

"Yes, as friends, but..." He exhaled. "Before I left, he slept with Anna, my future wife back then, whom I had liked. It annoyed me that he did that, even though she was mine."

"That's what made you leave?"

Damon nodded. "He did it because he knew I couldn't beat or harm him. But this time, things are different. It's time for everyone to realize that I'm not that weak boy anymore, and he won't touch you."

His voice seethed with anger as he declared, "He will never lay a hand on what's mine ever again, not this kingdom, and certainly not you."