The warped fire door tore from its hinges and crashed onto the concrete. Victor Sterling stepped through the dust, his eyes fixed on Marcus.
Marcus froze, his hand still tangled in my blouse. He let go, scrambling back.
Victor caught Marcus by the tie and yanked him off balance. His other fist struck Marcus's face. Bone cracked beneath it.
Marcus crumpled. Victor kicked him in the ribs, sending him skidding across the dusty floor until he slammed into the base of a metal shelf.
I stayed against the shelves, unable to look away.
Victor stood over him and adjusted his cuff. His gaze settled on Marcus's right hand, the one that had held my wrist.
Then his handmade Italian leather shoe came down on it with his full weight.
The snap of bone was a sound I would never forget.
Marcus shrie
