“Can you stop calling me kid?" I snapped. "It may have escaped your attention, but I am not actually a child."The left corner of his mouth crept upward. "It hasn't escaped my attention.”

“Arrogance can be deadly.” The corners of his mouth crept up. “But you didn’t hear me say that.”

“It hadn’t escaped my attention that I preferred to spend time with the undead rather than the living. I tried not to think about what that said about me.”

“I put my hands on my hips, not caring if I sounded like a Billingsgate fishwife. “Yes, it was a dangerous thing to do, but as it seems to have escaped your attention, I remind you I am above thirty years of age, of sound body and mind, and in control of my own fortune. That means,” I said, moving closer still, poking his chest for emphasis, “I am mistress of myself and answer to no one.”

“Woman, I’m trying to fight here! Or has that escaped your attention?”

“Do you wish me to continue my demonstration?" "Of what? You ability to control my physical movements or your unwanted attentions?" She returned his glare as she deliberately wiped her hand across her mouth. His eyes narrowed. "I don't recall you protesting too loudly," he snapped.”