Gwen felt like she had taken another slap to the face, this time emotionally. The pain and embarrassment were far worse than the physical slap she received from Serenity earlier.

"I'm fine," Serenity replied.

Jackson gently massaged Serenity's palm with his fingertips. "Next time, if you want to hit someone, tell me and I'll do it for you. You don't have to hurt your hand."

As he said that, he took another look at her palm. "It's all red now."

"Mr....Mr. Valor, I..." Gwen stammered. She's th