“Then, in the spirit of benevolence, "Your face is well balanced." She slapped him encouragingly on the back, "You have very long eyelashes. Like a cow.”

“Thank you. I realize my methods have dampened your spirits somewhat, but in the long run you will not regret it."She did not answer, simply preceded him to the door of her room."You look very nice tonight, Claire. May I say that that color suits you admirably."The door closed in his face.”

“You had to know someone very well to make them laugh like that. She had loved him for such a long time, she thought. How was it that she did not know him at all?”

“She gave a brittle smile. "The curriculum can be challenging, but I have no doubt that Sophie will do very well."Never had encouragement sounded so much like a threat.”

“She slapped Kestrel’s face. Without thinking twice, Kestrel slapped her back, as hard as she could. The young woman burst into tears. The servant saw this, aghast. “Baby!” She exclaimed. “Oh, my poor baby!” “You’ve been kind to me,” said Kestrel, “and you’re very beautiful, but if you hit me again I’ll kill you.”

“Fuck you. Fuck you, Beckett Taylor.” She flexed her fist.Beckett’s jaw tightened. “Looks like you got that covered, gorgeous.”Eve full-on slapped his face in the opposite direction.Beckett just licked his lips. No woman had ever slapped him. But she did.”