90. The Reaction

Proserpina

I was aware of the commotion in the hall as we approached, the way the guards seemed to be on alert, hurrying us along. But the spectacle unfolding before us brought me up short. It made me stop breathing for a few minutes. Lucien was beating up a guest, brutally, viciously. I had never seen this side of my husband although I was aware of his violent nature.

Now I watched, open-mouthed, one hand protectively laid on my stomach, the other on Grace’s arm for support. He was thrashing the man, mercilessly. As the man tried to get onto his knees, I saw his suit: Ramos? Lucien kicked him in the ribs and hit him, uncaring that he had the guests watching in undisguised glee, like vultures. I felt sick. Schwartz rushed forward, murmuring something about the Boss and his aggressiveness and making a scene for no reason like an uncivilized thug.

But I could not pull my eyes away from Lucien. He looked massive and frightening and I began to tremble. He kicked the man at his feet last