A flicker of irritation passed through Mark’s expression, and satisfaction smoldered in me even as I felt guilty for what I was doing. Lashing out, being defensive. It was tried-and-true armor for the quiet fear that seeped through me. “You’re trying to start a fight with me. I’m not gonna let you this time, though.” I deflated just like that. Just because his eyes softened at the corners and he looked at me in way that was understanding and tender and a little hurt all at once.
