Page 106 of King of Pride

He stormed up the stairs and marched directly toward Augustus’s bedroom. Without bothering to knock, he threw the door open.

Augustus was lying on his bed, apparently in the middle of a frantic phone call.

“What the fuck? Why would you let her go?” he demanded into the phone.

Before he could say another word, Maverick was on him.

He grabbed Augustus by the back of the head and slammed it brutally against the wall.

Bang.

Augustus cried out in pain.

Maverick didn't stop.

He slammed his head against the wall again.

And again.

And a third time.

The sound of each impact echoed through the room as blood began to trickle down Augustus’s forehead. Augustus struggled desperately against Maverick’s grip, but Maverick held him firmly, refusing to give him even an inch of freedom.

Then, as though Augustus weighed nothing, Maverick grabbed him by the hair and dragged him across the floor.

Augustus clawed at the carpet, trying to stop himself.

“Maverick! Wait—”

Maverick didn't even look at him.

He dragged him straight toward the staircase before shoving him down.

Augustus tumbled down the stairs, his body striking step after step as his terrified cries echoed throughout the house.

The maids rushed out of the adjoining rooms.

They froze at the sight.

Augustus lay crumpled at the bottom of the staircase, blood covering his face.

Maverick descended after him, skipping several steps at a time, his expression utterly devoid of mercy.

He reached Augustus and grabbed him by the hair again.

Then he dragged him into the living room.

Augustus barely had time to catch his breath before Maverick threw him onto the floor.

The room fell silent.

Maverick reached for his belt.

The moment Augustus realized what he was doing, all the color drained from his face.

“No…”

Maverick pulled the belt free.