Chapter 55

"I'm the one who got slapped, and yet you're the one crying first?" He pressed his lips together, letting out a short laugh. "Claire, isn't that a bit much, huh?" "Let go of me!" Her voice cracked as she struggled. Sure, that slap was impulsive, but she didn't regret it one bit. If he dared to act like she owed him an apology again, she'd still raise her hand. Nelson, unsurprisingly, stood his ground. "Not letting go. What if you hit me again?" Instead of backing off, he took a step closer. That stinging red imprint on his cheek became even more obvious. Claire had nowhere to retreat. Right behind her was the pool surrounding the faux mountain decor outside the Lotus Smoke's private room. A stone edge nudged up against her ankle. All she could do was try to pull her arm back. "Nelson, let me go!" He tightened his grip just a little, not enough to hurt her, but enough that she couldn't wiggle free so easily. Maybe a little payback for that slap. He smirked, the mark on his face only mak