"And since when did you learn to raise your voice at me? To curse me? Fuck you." His voice dropped. "I know Omegas like you all too well. You're just trying to manipulate me to get something. What is it this time? Money? Jewelry? God, you're so desperate."
I swallowed the ache in my throat and fought back my tears. I forced myself to stand tall, refusing to let him see me break. "Say whatever you want, but all I want is freedom." I paused, letting the silence stretch. "And, by the way, fuck you too."
That pushed Ashton over the edge.
His hand came down hard, hitting my face with a force that made my vision blur. And just like his other slaps, this one made me taste my own blood again.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tiana, still lounging comfortably on the couch, a silent spectator to the chaos unraveling between Ashton and me.
The satisfaction in her eyes was unmistakable. She was enjoying this, savoring every moment of my suffering, and I could feel her quiet hunger for even more of my pain.