"Fuck you." She'd hit a nerve all right, but at least for now, it seemed to have the opposite effect. If anything, his control was stronger than ever, his voice flat and almost entirely emotionless. The only sign of just how deeply she'd struck him was in his fists, which clenched so tight that his knuckles cracked quietly, the skin over them stretched waxy-pale. "What would you know? It's a matter of honour and friendship. You wouldn't understand."

She wasn't the only one who could aim below the belt.