"Don't touch my things again!" Per barked as he hit the top step and shoved down the banister.
Clarissa's fingers let go of the tie. Her feet slipped. She crashed to the marble floor with a sound that swallowed the foyer.
"Per—" Kaylin's voice cut through the hush. She was at the bottom of the stairs before anyone else moved.
Per reached her first. He grabbed Clarissa by the shoulder and hauled her upright as if she were nothing more than a fallen coat.
"You're clumsy," he said. His hand slammed into her face before the word finished. The slap echoed under the glass dome.
"Get off her!" Kaylin lunged, every muscle shouting. She pushed her palm into Per's chest. "Sir, stop—"
"Hands to yourselves," Per snapped. He shoved Kaylin back with one smooth, casual motion that told the staff exactly who held the house's leash.
"She's bleeding," Bianca said, voice low and brittle. The older woman's hand hovered over Clarissa's cheek as if she could smooth the red away by touching it.
Per's smile cut. "She touched my tie. That tie is expensive." He leaned close to Clarissa so the servants could hear. "Respect is earned. She will learn."
"Miss Clarissa, please let Kaylin—" one of the footmen started, but Per's head turned and the man shut up.
Per dragged Clarissa by the hair so her face had no choice but to meet his. She gritted her teeth
