METHOD OF MADNESS ━ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐲 ¹ (Under editing)

𝒾𝒾𝒾. 𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝑒𝓃: fucking deals

Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault.

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : i found - amber run

⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻

iii. eighteen: ❝fucking deals❞

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Cheltenham, England

Kimber stepped directly in front of Marianna James, blocking her view of Louis's retreating back.

"Your man said it was alright for me to have this dance." Kimber said, his voice nasally and grating.

Marianna glanced back at Thomas, who was deep in discussion, and then turned her gaze back to Kimber. "Shouldn't you be asking me first, rather than him?"

"Well, I'm telling you now." Kimber retorted, his tone dismissive and unyielding.

Marianna's gaze cut through Kimber as she eyed him up and down, a sardonic smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, is that so? And what makes you think I'd want to share a dance with you?"

Kimber's eyes narrowed, a predatory glint dancing in their depths. "Well, love, if you're not too preoccupied with your gin and the company of random blokes, maybe you'd fancy a whirl with someone who can offer a bit more... excitement."

"Excitement? Is that what you call it?" Marianna's smile twisted into a frosty smirk, her voice dripping with derision.

"Let's not make a fuss, then. Just a dance, Marianna. No need to cause a scene." Kimber's face set into a harder line.

With a resigned sigh, Marianna accepted Kimber's advance, her irritation barely masked. He guided her to the dance floor, near his wife and Thomas. She forced a stony expression, her revulsion hidden beneath a mask of polite indifference, as Kimber's hands settled possessively on her hips and his nose nuzzled her collar.

Keeping her gaze forward, she avoided meeting his eyes, fearing she might lose her temper and do something drastic.

The rhythm of the music seemed distant, drowned out by the spirits' warnings echoing in her mind. It became clear who they were warning her about: Kimber.

Kimber surprised her by attempting a dip. Her eyes widened as they flicked towards Thomas, who was watching them with a discomfited expression, smoke curling from his cigarette. She tightened her jaw and met his gaze, bracing herself for whatever Kimber might pull next.

As Kimber spun her around, her head began to feel heavy with the strain. Noticing her growing discomfort, Kimber abruptly stopped, his voice cutting through the noise. "Are you alright?"