NINETY SIX

SLYVIA'S POV

Alice walks up to where I'm standing, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Impressive," she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "The way you handled yourself with Jocelia."

I narrow my eyes at her. "Why are you here talking to me, Alice?"

She shrugs coyly. "Can't I make small talk? After all, the last time we spoke, you smacked me in the face." She touches her cheek, feigning hurt.

I can't help but smirk, feeling a small sense of pride. "Yeah, I remember."

Alice's eyes flash with something dark. "How are the kids, Slyvia?"

My smirk fades, replaced by a warning glare. "Keep my kids' names out of your mouth, Alice, or you might receive another slap."

She laughs softly, a cold, mocking sound. "Oh, look at you. You think you're so smart, so tough. You have no idea what's coming for you."

I step closer, my voice low and dangerous. "Try me, Alice. I'm not backing down."

She raises an eyebrow, still smiling that infuriating smile. "We'll see about that."

As she walks aw