Lance could not help but let out a low chuckle.
Thomas stiffened.
The humiliation burned.
But this was life or death.
With a trembling voice, he turned sharply toward Nathaniel and Catherine.
“You fools!" "Don’t just stand there, GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND BEG!”
Catherine and Nathaniel collapsed to their knees, bowing their heads furiously. Her shoulders shook, her breath ragged.
“Miss Selene, please! Forgive me! I had no idea it was you! I— I was rude! I was blind! Please, have mercy!” Catherine begged, her voice trembling.
Beside her, Nathaniel trembled. Then—
SMACK!
He slapped himself across the face.
“Miss Selene, please! Have mercy on us!”
SMACK!
He slapped himself even harder this time.
His palm stung red, but he didn’t stop.
“It was all a misunderstanding!”
SMACK!
