Andrea's eyes flashed.
Dean did not feel proud of it but did not feel guilty either.
Andrea had aimed at Sylvia first because Sylvia stood next to Dean and therefore seemed easy enough to cut. That was the sort of behavior Dean recognized very well from courtrooms, ballrooms, and families with too much pedigree and too little courage. Hurt people frequently chose the nearest softer target and called it refinement.
Sylvia was not soft, but she was Dean's.
And Dean had been raised by Lucas.
There were instincts one did not outgrow.
Andrea took one slow step closer, stopping just before the distance could become improper. "You think I dislike you because your pheromones are compatible with his."
"I think you dislike me because my existence made yours inconvenient."
Andrea's smile thinned. "That is closer."
Dean inclined his head. "Then we are making progress."
"Do not patronize me."
"Then stop being stupid," Dean said at last.
