His hand connected with her face, hard. The slap echoed in the quiet garden. Her head snapped to the side, stars bursting behind her eyes. For a split second, there was nothing. No air. No sound. Just shock.
Then the pain bloomed, spreading across her cheek, down her jaw.
Harry loomed over her. "You will not embarrass me," he said quietly. "Do you hear me?"
Vivienne stared at him, stunned. So this is what I'm marrying.
"You will behave yourself," he continued, his fingers curling into her arm now. "And you will be a good little wife. Are we clear?"
Her cheek throbbed.
"Yes," she said softly.
Harry released her. "Good." He straightened his cuffs. "Go inside. People will talk if you linger."
As he walked away, Vivienne lifted a trembling hand to her cheek, wincing at the tenderness.
What had her parents done?
What had they done? What had they offered her so easily?
Moon Goddess, what have you done?
