Silas's head jerked back, his eyes wide with surprise. He stood there, stunned, looking at her, his hand on his cheek where the slap landed. For a moment, neither of them spoke; the only sound was their heavy breathing.
Silas couldn't believe what had just happened. The slap she had given him still reverberated through his mind, leaving him dazed and confused. He never imagined a woman could ever strike him.
Questions raced through his mind in rapid succession. How did it happen? Where did he go wrong? Wasn't she supposed to give in to him?
This wasn't how things were supposed to go. Women were always falling at his feet, begging for his attention. Why did Esme seem immune to his charms?
Confusion and surprise clouded his features as he grappled with the unanticipated outcome, trying to comprehend the unprecedented defiance he faced from Esme.
