Chapter 210: Guardians, Part 15

James

Refusing discipline….

It catches me squarely on the cheek. It’s not a hard blow. In truth, I barely feel it….

But that’s not the point….

Unbelieving, for a moment, I’m on hold, as though trying to process reality….

Cold fury freezes through me, I grab her by the wrists, yanking her across the floor to the bedroom. “In there, Madam.”

I’ll knock some fucking sense into you….

…. How dare you….

Abruptly, her resistance melts away. She yanks her wrist from my hand. “Alright, I’ll go into the bedroom,” she says. Chin held high, “I’ll take whatever it is you’re going to hand out. But it doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t change what’s in my head.”

On her face is…. what…?

Disgust?

Resignation?

I’m not sure, but something about her wording cuts through my anger.

The cellar….

…. The life you’ve led…

What is going through your head?

…. It’s hard to imagine….

I’m only seeing your life in reflection….

…. you’re the one who lived through it….