16The slap sounded like the c***k of a whip, it was delivered with such force. Ritter's eyes watered and, staggering sideways, He gasped, “Holy s**t!”
“You bastard!” she accused, her eyes blazing with anger. “You said you'd come right back.”
He held up his right hand and with his left, he deftly untied his neckerchief, which he used to dab at his face. Stinging heat spread across his cheek. “Damn, you didn't have to hit me so hard.”
“To hell with you, Gus Ritter. I'd beat you to death if I didn't love you so much!” She grabbed him and pressed herself into his chest. Her soft lips found his and she kissed him long and hard. When at last she pulled away, she was crying. “Don't you ever do anything like that again, you hear me?” she said, beating his chest gently with her fists.
“I do,” h
