"Or else what, Ashton?" I interrupted, my voice steady. "You'll cut my face with that shard? Go ahead—do it!" I moved even closer, pressing my face toward the sharp edge. "Wound my face, make it bleed, hurt me. I've endured worse pain from you. One more cut won't make a difference."
He stared at me, shocked by my defiance, before finally tossing the shard aside in frustration.
"So, you can't do it after all," I said.
Ashton clenched his jaw. "This conversation is over. There will be no severing of the mating bond, and that's final."
Tiana chimed in smugly. "Looks like Ashton still needs your maid services."
Without hesitation, I lunged toward her and slapped her hard across her right cheek. She gasped, eyes wide in shock.
"Learn to keep your mouth shut when no one asks for your opinion." I spat before slapping her again, evening out the redness on the other cheek which had been slightly burned.
"There you go—an instant blush, dear sister. Now you won't look so ugly." I added, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
As expected, Ashton rushed to Tiana's side, comforting her with gentle kisses on each cheek—a sickening display that only deepened my disgust.