He whistled, voice dripping with mockery. "You and your little friend here—kneel down and put shoes on all of us. Do it until we're satisfied, and we'll call it even. How's that sound?"

I laughed—a cold, sharp sound.

"In your dreams."

But before I could react, Jordan's face went livid and he charged at me. Everyone in the room stared at him in surprise.

I froze too. Was he finally coming to his senses? Did he realize how wrong this was?

Then he stopped in front of me and snarled:

"Luna! Hurry up! You're going to miss the auspicious hour! You wanted to marry me so badly—shouldn't you show some respect?"

He grabbed my shoulder and shoved me toward the floor.

The groomsmen exchanged glances, smugness flickering in their eyes. Leon lifted his chin with a cold snort and kicked off his shoes. The others followed.

My face went stone cold. I swung hard, slapping Jordan across the face—once, twice, three times.

"You're disgusting!"

"You want me to put shoes on you? I spit on you! Who the hell do you think you are? Get out of my way before I make you!"

My best friend had never been humiliated like this either. Her voice turned shrill.

"You've gone too far! Animals! I'm calling the police!"

Ten minutes had passed since I made the call. My family would be here soon.

I narrowed my eyes at them. "You'd better back off. Let us out. Now."

They snorted. "Jordan, come on! It's just a little game—she can't even handle this?"

Jordan forced a smile. "Of course she can! Bride-picking games are supposed to be fun for everyone!"

They all nodded approvingly, laughing so hard they nearly doubled over.

"Then what are you waiting for? Put the shoes on—" Leon's voice dropped, half-smiling. "And if you still won't behave, we'll make you lick them first."

My stomach lurched.

A crowd had gathered outside. I screamed for help, gambling on someone hearing.

Jordan's patience snapped.

"What the hell are you yelling for? Hurry up!"

Hands clamped down on our shoulders, forcing us both to our knees.

Tears blurred my vision. I wanted to kill every single one of them.

But they looked ready to get serious. My breath shook as I gritted my teeth. "Don't push me. The second I get out of here, I will destroy you."

They exchanged looks and burst out laughing.

"Sure, sure. Now hurry up!"

Leon lifted his blackened, reeking foot. Jordan grabbed my head and shoved it down.

The door slammed open.

"Stop!"