The slap echoed through the market like a thunderclap, silencing nearby conversations. Alaric's head snapped to the side from the force of Nora's blow, yet his expression remained impassive, though a red handprint began forming on his cheek.
"You dare stand there and do nothing?" Nora shrieked, her face contorted with rage. "Ronan!"
A mountain of a man stepped forward from behind her. Easily six and a half feet tall with muscles that strained against his tailored suit, Ronan Russell was the kind of bodyguard meant to intimidate by mere presence.
"Teach this disrespectful dog some manners," Nora commanded, pointing at Alaric.
I stepped forward, placing myself between Alaric and Ronan. "That's enough."
Nora's eyes widened, as if she couldn't believe someone would dare intervene. "This doesn't concern you. Step aside before you get hurt too."
"The man was simply doing his job," I said calmly. "There's no need for violence."
