The crack of her palm against his cheek was as satisfying as anything Temperance had ever imagined. Except for once in her life the deepest craving of her heart was not merely that and it had actually happened - she was probably more surprised by her actions than he was although she assumed it was not the first time he had aroused enough irritation in a woman to force her into violence for her own sanity.

She had never allowed herself to indulge in anything quite so thrilling. Even the dumb face of the bartender as he stared wide-eyed at the two of them was not enough to ruin the moment.

“How dare you,” she snarled, grim enjoyment unfurling inside her as she got into her full indignant stride, smoothing out her skirt as she retreated to her table with its hideous covering. The thought of drinking tea with the other good women of the church suddenly held precious little interest for her - she had to get out of here.

She needed to relive the moment alone.

---

Wonderful set by Lady <3