Know Your Place

The stinging succession of four brutal slaps left Monica stunned into silence. Her mouth hung open as the raw heat radiated across her cheeks. The shock morphed into pure venom. Glaring up at Valerie, Monica gripped the delicate diamond bracelet tighter on her wrist and raised her arm toward the vanity's edge.

"Aren't you afraid I'll smash this?" Monica threatened through gritted teeth.

One shar