Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 791

Fergus never saw it coming. The blow sent him crashing to his knees on the hard floor.

Not only was Fergus stunned, but Sapphira and Neville were equally shocked.

What on earth was their daughter doing? Fergus had just recovered, and now she was attacking him without warning? It was hardly a fair fight.

But then again, for someone like Fergus, who needed fair?

"Larissa, what are you doing?" Fergus cried out, his eyes instantly turning red as his voice dripped with wounded innocence.

Larissa responded with another kick, this time to his face, sending him sprawling onto his back.

Sapphira and Neville were left speechless in shock. The scene was too violent for their morning meal. Without a word, they both lowered their heads and resumed eating, pretending not to see a thing.

Larissa leaned down, patting his preciously handsome face. "What am I doing? You talked about atonement. Did you really think joining us for breakfast and chatting with my mother was going to cut it?"

"This," she said, "is atonement."

This was not how Fergus had planned for things to go. He suddenly had no idea what Larissa's game was. But he kept his composure, forcing another innocent smile. "If this makes you and my aunt and uncle feel better, then—"

"Ah!"

His words were cut off by a sharp punch to the jaw that made his teeth rattle.

Larissa flexed her fist. "You don't have to tell me. Since you delivered yourself to my doorstep, I'm going to be a very gracious host."

A flicker of fear finally crossed Fergus's eyes. "Larissa, what are you planning to do?"

"You seem so reluctant to leave. In that case, I'll grant your wish. You can stay at the Judson estate until your injuries are healed."

She enunciated the last words slowly, adding a heavy emphasis. It was a clear threat: his injuries were never going to heal.

"Ma'am…"

Every time Fergus tried to speak, Larissa silenced him with her fists. Finally, when he was too weak to even open his mouth, she gently patted his bruised cheek.

"My dear cousin," she cooed. "You just stay here and slowly atone for your mother's sins."

Straightening up, she gave an order.

"Porter, take my cousin back to the west wing and see to his recovery. He is not to leave until he is fully healed. We wouldn't want anything to happen to him. I couldn't bear to explain it to my dear Aunt Josette and the Lincolns."

"Yes, miss," the butler replied. Seeing that his master and madam had no objections, he motioned for the staff to carry the limp form of Fergus away.

Once he was gone, Sapphira said tentatively, "Larissa, for a moment there, I was actually worried you were going to let him stay…"