Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon novel Chapter 173

Kane POV

"No!" My girl announced with a firmness that made my heart soar with pride, only for it to sink in the next breath seeing the scumbag approach her, and the turmoil he was putting her through. I couldn't help but smile through the pain, noting how Charlotte's resolve remained unwavering in the face of pure evil.

Evil she shouldn't even be in a room with, let alone facing, while I remained pinned like a butterfly to a board by some sick and twisted psychopath. I clenched my jaw as I fought against the malevolent powers that choked me. But it was pointless, despite our earlier triumph. He was too strong- and I was smart enough to know that I needed to preserve my energy for when I got free from his invisible chains.

"What's so bad about little old me grinding on your daughter? I am handsome, I am sexy! I am powerful! She will love it!" Astaroth chortled with malice into my mind, his crassness enough to make my blood boil painfully with rage. I knew he was trying to bait me! Something I wouldn't allow. I was stronger than him! If not physically, then I had to be mentally!

"It's OK, Princess." I nodded, my voice choked as he sent a new wave of pain coursing through my body.

"Stop, you are killing them!" Charlotte screamed, pushing past the demon to reach us, but he lifted us higher and out of her reach. A chuckle escaped his lips.

"I mean, I am hoping she takes after her mother, no offence buddy, but... you're not exactly my type." Astaroth's words sliced through my thoughts like a sharpened blade. "She is strong, beautiful and brave!" He added with respect that irritated me, but not as much as he did when he approached Charlotte, his hand landing on her hip tauntingly.

"Get away from her!" I screamed my voice horse and choked by the blood coating my throat from whatever attack he had just used to boil my insides. The demon's laughter echoed in the room, a mocking chorus to my disbelief.

"The daughter is not yours; it is Knox's. And he has already agreed to my bargain." I felt my eyes widen in shock, the same expression plastered on my girl's face as she looked from me to Knox.

"FUCK YOU!" The air crackled with tension as Knox's roar of denial filled the room, his defiance a thunderous echo against Astaroth's chilling proclamation. But the demon's words hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the binding agreement that Knox had mentioned he had unwittingly entered into.

"Something small," Astaroth continued, his voice dripping with malice. "And your daughter is currently something small." I felt a twinge of jealousy eat at me. I had always wanted a daughter, truth be told, and I resented that Knox knew he had one! The idea of a princess for me to protect and spoil... just seemed... perfect. Although unlike Lilly, she would know how to behave and not be a selfish brat. She would be well-mannered, respectful and raised with grace! She would be like her mother.