His Wicked Embrace novel Chapter 30

Avery met Zehra halfway across the ballroom and gripped her by the arm. She flinched, not from pain, but from the memory of the night the auctioneer had grabbed her the same way. Not as a person, but as a thing.

"Avery, you cannot do this!" Lawrence said, his tone full of fury and panic. "If you send her back, Zehra will face slavery again."

Avery shook his head. "I assure you, the slavers are dealt with, both here and abroad. And I warned you this had to be done."

"Yes, in a week," Lawrence fired back. "That time has still not passed. Why this sudden entrance? Were you not content to have this concluded peacefully? You required some grand show of force? Why?"

Avery's face hardened. "Matters have changed, brother. The Persian ambassador has been informed about what happened at the White House, and in his outrage he has demanded a swift resolution to the affair. Somehow he learned that you were in possession of one of these women, and he insisted we take action immediately."

Lawrence's voice rose. "I do not possess-"

"This has become bigger than your games or your need to play the hero to satisfy your lust, Lawrence. This is about the stability of our empire."

"Lust?" Lawrence was shouting now. "This was never about lust. It was about justice, fairness, compassion, and...and love." He spoke the word in quiet reverence, and because the ballroom had fallen silent, everyone heard.

Avery huffed, which only seemed to harden Lawrence's resolve. "I swear before God, I will fight you for her if I must. Your authority be damned."

Zehra shivered at the frightening duality of a man who could love her so deeply and yet threaten his brother at the same time.

"Don't be a romantic fool, Lawrence." Avery waved at the men behind him. "Six against one. You always were foolish in choosing your fights."

"I'd say the odds are more like six to six." Godric stepped forward, flexing his arms. The rest of the League, Jonathan, Charles, Ashton, and Lucien, all came forward with nods toward Lawrence in a show of support.

"I apologize. I miscounted, Your Grace," Avery said. "However, I speak for the Crown, and the Crown speaks for the empire. Your titles and privileges cannot protect you in this matter. You will all face charges if you resist. Please do not make this difficult."

Charles laughed. "Sadly, this is not the first time I've heard that threat. It did not scare me then, and I cannot say it scares me now. I'm quite content to stand by Lawrence's side, as will every man here with me."

One by one the others drew closer together, as if preparing for battle. Zehra couldn't believe what she was seeing. The League had rallied behind Lawrence. For her.

"Lawrence, be reasonable." Avery's hold on Zehra's arm softened as he pleaded with his brother. "She was returning home soon regardless. What does it matter if it is today or tomorrow? Don't make me do this."

"This is wrong and you know it," Lawrence warned.

Avery's head dropped. "I am sorry. I never wanted this. But I have my orders, and I cannot disobey them. You don't understand what is at stake here."