His words struck her like arrows. The injustice biting at her. Each word’s sting sharper than the last.

"I—" Emma began but the words just wouldn't come out. Was he really saying those words.

"Jared was right the first time" he said.

The words sounded so much worse, and Emma gasped. Before she could prevent herself, her hand connected with his cheek.

Daniel made no attempt to deflect the blow and she watched him, with a feeling of disbelief. The clear marks of her fingers would definitely show on the left side of his face.

She regretted it instantly. She didn’t do things like this. She didn't hit people. But...