Page 79 of His Reckoning

Kayla gestures between us. “You do that thing where you step closer, like you’re going to intimidate someone.”

“That usually works.”

“But you won’t actually do anything.”

Something in my chest tightens slightly. That sounds suspiciously like a challenge.

“You’re very sure about that,” I say.

“I’m observant.”

I push my chair back and stand. Kayla watches me, still completely relaxed. Still completely sure of herself. Until I close the distance between us with one step.

She straightens subtly but doesn’t retreat.

“You’re doing it again,” she says.

“Doing what?”

“The intimidating thing.”

I lean forward. “You said it doesn’t work on you.”

“It doesn’t.”

“Then why are you watching me like that?”

Her mouth opens slightly before she closes it again.

Interesting.

I place a hand in front of her on the island. We’re close enough that I can see the small shift in her breathing. Close enough that she has to tilt her head slightly to keep eye contact.

“You enjoy provoking me,” I say quietly.

“Maybe.”

“You think it’s funny.”

“Sometimes.”

“You think I won’t react.”

She hesitates. That hesitation is the first crack in her grit I’ve seen all night.

“So, what happens if you do?” she asks.

My voice drops a little. “That depends.”

“On what?”

“On how brave you actually are.”

For the first time since this conversation started, Kayla looks unsure. Her gaze flicks down briefly.

I realize something in that moment. She expected teasing.

Not this. Not me pushing back.