Roxy's lethal, whispered threat hung in the sterile hospital air, vibrating with the absolute authority of a Warlord Queen. For a fraction of a second, the terrestrial abuser standing before her actually looked taken aback.
But Marcus Vance was a man who had built his entire existence on maintaining absolute, suffocating dominance. His shock lasted only a millisecond before it contorted into a dark, sadistic amusement.
He didn't step back. He didn't cower.
Marcus let out a low, chilling chuckle. His hand shot forward with terrifying, snake-like speed, his large fingers clamping directly around Roxy's throat. With a brutal shove, he slammed her back against the plaster wall, lifting her slightly onto the tips of her bare toes.
"That is so cute, coming from you," Marcus mocked, his dark eyes gleaming with malicious delight as he tightened his grip.
