Tristan's eyes flashed with anger. "You think you can disobey me?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. "You think you can defy me, and get away with it?" Without warning, he raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face. Vivienne stumbled backwards, shocked by the sudden violence. She put her hand to her cheek, and felt the sting of the blow.
The place was silent, the only sound the ringing in her ears. Tears welled in her eyes, and she looked up at Tristan, anger and hurt mingling in her gaze. "Why did you do that?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"Because you're being stupid," Tristan replied, his voice tight. "You're behaving like a child, throwing a tantrum because you can't have your way. This is my home, and I make the rules.
"But why did you think I can release him?"
