(Alexander's POV)

The moment my palm connected with Olivia's bottom, regret flooded through me like ice water.

But I couldn't stop myself. The fury driving me was too powerful, too overwhelming.

All night, I had been consumed by fear. Fear that something would happen to her. Fear that she wouldn't come back. Fear that she would disappear from my life forever.

Only a severe lesson could calm the rage burning in my chest.

But ...