165 What of her? (2)

Brianna got up to her feet shakily, examining her flawless arms and perfectly groomed nails. She still had trouble processing Ian's last words, but she understood the meaning of the threat very well. 

'Paws?' 

Her mind was so flustered that she had become numb.

'Ian, my Ian, referred to my hands as paws? Doesn't that mean that he thinks I am-'

"No, no, that cannot be!" She whispered to herself, denying the obvious.

She took one step and then another, but then, she suddenly felt a stinging pain on her cheeks; a force pushed her head to the side.

A ringing sound filled her ears, and her eyes stung as a few tears threatened to spill.

She felt the pain more than heard what it sounded like. That slap was what woke Brianna out of her stupor.

"Who dared!"

She turned and glared at the person while her eyes widened in surprise.

***