POV: Kesley

I pressed my hand over my mouth, completely shocked

"You do not speak about Kesley that way." His voice was absolutely level.

"She is my woman, and soon to be my wife. You will not insult her." He warned sternly as his hand went to Nora's throat.

This time he did not strike, he gripped her throat, and she made a strangled sound and grabbed at his wrist with both hands.

He held it for three seconds... Four... Five...

Then he released her and stepped back and she went to the floor and stayed there, breathing hard, her eyes up at him with an expression that had fear...