Walker pressed his bloodied palms against the cold marble, his entire frame shaking beneath the shadow of Aidan's towering figure. The air hung thick with expensive cologne, terror, and the metallic tang of fresh blood that dripped steadily from Walker's split lip.
"Walker, you have truly let me down," Aidan spoke with deliberate slowness, each syllable dripping with malice. "I granted you permission to indulge in this establishment. To indulge, Walker. Not to grow reckless. Certainly not to make me appear incompetent."
Walker's cough sent crimson droplets across his chin. "I never intended to—"
A brutal kick connected with his ribs, launching him against the marble column. His agonized groan echoed through the chamber as more blood splattered the pristine floor.
