Every few seconds, a flash of envy crossed their faces.
"Me!"
Someone was the first to throw down his club.
"Me too! Me too!"
"You—!"
One by one, the men around Elmer bolted toward me.
I waved them off with a laugh. "Too many, too many."
"I'm strong! Pick me!"
"I'll work part-time! I don't need the shares!"
Elmer's teeth ground together.
"You worthless dogs! Ungrateful scum!"
I looked up.
"Fine. I'll take all of you. Now, escort the prince consort back to his estate nice and safe. And while you're there, tell your brothers at the house that I'm hiring."
"Yes, sir!"
Elmer was dragged toward the carriage by his own men. He stared back at me, seething.
"You bastards! How dare you betray me! I'm the one who hired you! Let go of me!"
"Stop!"
A hand shot out, grabbed him, and pulled him behind her.
Before I could even register what was happening.
A slap cracked across my face.
Evelyn stared at me.
"You lowlife. How dare you."
I looked at her in disbelief.
The warmth and affection that once filled Evelyn's eyes when she looked at me were gone.
Replaced by nothing but cold indifference.
She turned and bowed to Elmer.
"He was never properly disciplined. Offending you like this is unforgivable."