The sharp c***k of the slap echoed through the courtyard. For a split second, everything fell completely silent.
Adrian's pupils contracted. Shock spread across his face as he slowly withdrew the hand that had been hovering beside Violet's shoulder.
A tiny bug was pinched between his fingers.
So that was why he'd suddenly moved closer. He had only been trying to brush the little insect off her shoulder.
Violet froze. "I'm... I'm sorry. I misunderstood."
"It's okay. I just didn't expect this."
Adrian opened his hand, letting the tiny bug fly away. A bitter smile appeared in his eyes.
"In your eyes, I'm no longer someone who knows where the line is. You actually thought I'd take advantage of you. How could I ever do something that disrespectful?"
The last sentence carried a trace of
