“Well, have you thought it over?” He had just entered the room and slapped the woman hard across the face. She was knocked over, and he grabbed her hair, choking her neck.
“No, Ryan, I can’t breathe…” The woman struggled repeatedly.
Nhanyi was somewhat shocked; he was so brutal and merciless. Although this time it wasn’t directed at her, she still couldn’t help but tremble, worried for the woman’s fate.
He didn’t loosen his grip; instead, he tightened it further. “I don’t want to know what price you sold the information extracted from the Empire’s citizens to the Russians or Americans. I just want to know who sold me out. What do you want?”
“You know what I want.” Her crimson lips were bloodied, yet she smiled at him.
His eyes lingered on her face for a few seconds before he released her, throwing his head back and laughing loudly. “Now that’s a huge joke. Do you think I’m still that debauched man raised by the countess? Don’t force me to t*****e you again; I swear this time it won’t just be with a whip.”
“You can’t treat me like this; don’t forget, I once saved your life.”
“What do you want me to do to you? You should know that repaying kindness with enmity is my nature.” He stared coldly at her. “Perhaps I should send someone to seal off your club and send your girls to the front lines; the soldiers there need their services more than these gentlemen in the rear.”
“You are still so heartless… Fine, I can tell you, but not because of your threats and intimidation.” The woman whispered a few words to him, “…That’s all I know.”
“I hope what you said is the truth.”
“I have no reason to lie to you.” The woman shrugged.
A smile appeared at the corner of his lips, completely different from before. “If you had cooperated earlier, last night’s unpleasantness wouldn’t have happened.”
“Is that so? What do you plan to do next? His position is higher than yours.”
“Do you think my rank comes from the commander’s appreciation? That I rely on my looks?”
“Of course not; I’ve seen your methods,” the woman said, looking directly at his back with her violet eyes, her arms crossed over her chest. “What I mean is you should be careful of him.”
Nhanyi watched everything happening outside through the crack in the wardrobe. She realized their relationship was not as she had imagined. She could even be sure that the woman had intentionally stayed here last night. The way she looked at him had none of the air of a woman of the night; it was as pure and untainted as a girl in love gazing at her crush. This was too crazy! To spend another night with this devil, she was willing to endure his beatings. The only explanation was that the madam of the brothel was crazily in love with him. How could anyone fall in love with this devil!
The closet door was suddenly flung open. Nhanyi’s heart skipped a beat, and his tone was unfriendly, “I thought there was a mouse in this room, turns out it was you.”
“She came to help me with the medicine,” said the woman in black, hands on her hips, her attitude making Nhanyi feel that his earlier kindness was utterly unnecessary. She dared not look at him, casting a wistful glance at the woman.
“Get lost.” He squinted his blue eyes, his tone extremely impatient.
Nhanyi felt as if he had been granted a reprieve; he didn’t even bother to grab the first aid kit and scrambled out of the closet, fleeing the room.
Watching Nhanyi’s retreating figure, the woman in black spoke in a somewhat unusual tone, “Her dark eyes are quite enchanting. When did you start liking this Eastern charm?”
“Ruth, you can go back. If this happens again, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
“That doesn’t matter; you’ve always been so heartless.” The woman in black lifted her skirt and descended the stairs, her long neck marred with bruises, yet her demeanor remained regal like a queen.
He kicked open her door, and Nhanyi immediately caught the strong scent of alcohol in the air. She leaped up from the bed, her golden hair tousled, clearly intoxicated, holding a wine glass as he staggered into her room. The brightness in his blue eyes was striking; as soon as he entered, he pushed her down onto the bed. Nhanyi turned her head away to avoid his alcohol-laden lips landing on her face.
