Chapter 77

With a sickening crunch, Juan’s nose broke, spraying blood. He stared in disbelief as blood streamed down his face, but his shock quickly turned to fury. “You actually hit me? I’ll make you—”

Before he could finish his threat, Andrew slapped him repeatedly. Juan’s threats transformed into agonized screams. His gang members surged toward Andrew, shouting for revenge. “What the hell! He hit Mr. Madden! Get him!”

Andrew grabbed Juan’s hair, exposing his bloodied face, and surveyed the approaching gang. “One more move, and this dog is down for good,” he said calmly.

The gang members halted, their confidence shattered. Accustomed to Juan’s bullying, they’d never encountered someone so formidable. Fear paralyzed them.

“Apologize to Ms. Rhodes, or else,” Andrew demanded, delivering another series of brutal slaps.

Despite the pain, Juan gritted his teeth and spat, “Go to hell! I’ll never apologize! I’ll destroy you!”

Andrew’s eyes flashed. He twisted Juan’s arm with sudden force. Juan fell to his knees, screaming. “My arm!” he cried, as blood trickled down his face. It felt as if his hand were being torn from its socket.

“Apologize, or it’ll be your neck next,” Andrew said coldly.

A shiver ran down Juan’s spine. The fearless bully trembled and begged, “Please, have mercy! I’ll apologize!”

Andrew released his arm, but Juan remained kneeling. “My father is Tony Madden, King of the East Side. You—”

Andrew’s patience snapped. He slapped Juan again. “Didn’t get the message, did you?”

“Stop, please! Don’t hit me! I’ll apologize!” Juan cried. “Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Aicker, I—I’m sorry! I was wrong. I deserved this. Please forgive me!”

After his humiliating apology, Juan staggered to his feet and fled with his gang. Once they were a safe distance away, he shoved his men aside in rage.

He roared, “Call my father now! I want this bastard dead! No—I want him wishing he’d never been born! I’ll make him pay for every slap. I want his fingers cut off, his tongue ripped out, his eyes gouged out! Get moving!”

His gang members watched in horror, having never seen Juan so thoroughly beaten and humiliated. After this humiliation, Tony would surely make Andrew pay with his life.