Their Queen Returns novel Chapter 40

ocelyn drew a slow breath, her lips curling into a cruel smile. “Amber” she purred, “you’ll always be my good girl, won’t you?”

Amber nodded quickly, her eyes downcast. A wicked thought flashed through Jocelyn’s mind. Sienna, let’s wait and see:

The mere thought of Sienna set jealous fire raging through Jocelyn’s veins. Damn you, Sienna. You should’ve stayed dead. Her pretty face contorted with the ugly emotion. “Amber,” she said icily, “get me a chocolate cake from East Street Now”

Amber’s face lit up. 71 go right now,” she chirped. That bright smile was too much. Jocelyn forced a pleasant expression while seething inside.

Smack!

Jocelyn’s palm cracked across Amber’s cheek, sending her sprawling. Before Amber could gasp, Jocelyn seized her by the hair and hauled Her upright, snarling. “How many times must I tell you? No smiling, What kind of girl grins like an idiot? Looking for male attention?”

Trembling violently, Amber crumpled into a tight ball. “Sorry, Jocelyn. No more smiling, I swear. Please stop she begged, arms raised to shield her face.

Jocelyn released her, dark satisfaction surging through her. With deliberate slowness, she kneh and stroked Amber’s reddened check, only to dig her nails in when Amber whimpered.

“Darling. I hate hurting you,” Jocelyn crooned. “But those filthy men will think you’re easy prey if you keep smiling. They’ll take advantage. I’m only protecting you.” She crushed Amber in a smothering hug, whispering wetly near her ear, “You know I love you best, don’t you”

Amber sniffled. “You’re right, Jocelyn. Everything you do is for my good. I’ll obey. No more smiles. Her voice cracked like stepped–on twigs. “Good girl” Jocelyn held out a crumpled bill. “Take this and buy my cake. Keep the change for water if you’re thirsty”

Thank you, Jocelyn. Il be back soon” Amber hastily wiped her tears and clutched the money. As Amber scampered off gratefully, Jocelyn’s gaze slid to the clock Eleven o’clock Run along, little lamb

Amber hurried down the shadowy alley, the crumpled bill clutched in her sweary hand. Chocolate cake. Keep going. One hour left. Gotta get it for

Then out of nowhere, several thugs appeared, surrounding her with leering grins Amber stumbled back in terror. She needed to call the police, but Jocelyn had taken her phone long ago, claiming it would distract her from her studies.

“Hey sweetheart,” the first thing crooned, blocking her path, “why rush? Let us walk you home. We’ll keep you real safe.

“What’s wrong? Scared?” Another voice rasped from behind, “Don’t worry, we’ll play nice. Just tell us where you live.”

Their voices oozed like sludge from a dumpeer. When Amber turned to nuda beefy arm blocked her way. “Running away? That’s rude, the lead man said, spreading his arms. “Kids shouldn’t walk alone. Let us take you home.”

When the man moved to grab her, Amber screamed at the top of her lungs, “Stay back! I call the police! My sister will hear about this”

“Listen up! She’s got a sister, the man sneered to his buddies. “Why don’t you call her over? More girls, more fun.” He took another step toward

Amber

“Get away!” Amber screamed, stumbling backward as her hands flew up in defense. Her heart pounded so hard she could barely breathe. “Help me! Somebody! Her voice cracked with terror as she frantically scanned the empty street,

“Bullying girls when I’m around? How dare your A cool voice cut through the air. The thugs spun toward the sound. There stood another girl in a black skim and a white jacket, Her sweet face was a stark contrast to the ice in her glare.

“Hey look, another girl” But a sickening crack cut off the thug’s words as his wrist bent the wrong way. Before his buddies could blink, the girl became a whirlwind of violence–elbows smashing noses, knees crunching into ribs, feet sweeping legs.

“Pathetic, Reno sneered at the fleeing thugs, then turned to Amber with sudden gentleness, offering a lollipop. “Here, sweethean. Sugar helps after

Amber shook her head like a raided rabbit, arus locked around herself. Before Reno could even say “hospital“, Amber took off like a shot. Staring at her own reflection in a car window, Reno frowned. “Do I really look that scary!

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