And when he walks out, his eyes never moving from her, she turns and watches him go. She doesn't flinch, nor cringe, nor avert her eyes, she follows his movements, in that defiant way. I think that's what gave him license to kiss her, in his mind, to one up her in many ways. Like, maybe I can't get you to react if I stare, maybe this will work, because he knows she can give as good as he can. It was a game, in many ways, but the prize was truly priceless.

Tracee