Chapter 138 - A darker threat

Lawrence

"You will suffer dearly for what you've done," I snarled. 

Stella's stepfather glared up at me through his one unswollen eye, defiance etched on his battered face even while restrained on his knees. My men stood impassively nearby, ready to mete out violence at my command. 

"I don't know what fantasies that girl has been telling you, but I never laid a hand on her," he spat, then let out a laugh.

Red hazed my vision. I backhanded him brutally across the face, splitting open his swollen lip again. He grunted in pain, blood dripping down his chin.

"Do not dare speak my Stella's name!" I thundered. "She has told me enough of your cruelty. The broken bones, the bruises...you are a plague upon innocents!"

He barked out a chilling laugh. "Think you know everything, don't you tough guy? Stel