Arabella had tried to be nice. She always did. Tried to bite her tongue, to let things slide. But how could she hold back now, when it was painfully clear that Malvo didn't want her there?
"Yes," she said coolly, eyes flaring as they met his. "I was going to see if my new mistress would like me better if I barked for her."
Malvo blinked, clearly startled. For a second, guilt flickered across his face, like he had only just realized how far his words had gone.
He frowned, voice lowering. "You really are as sharp tongued as they say."
"Who cares," Arabella replied, turning away, her voice laced with quiet anger. "I used to think Cassius was lonely because no one truly cared about him. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe he's surrounded by people who care- people like you, who want to make sure his pet doesn't get too close. Lest she hurt him... or drag him to an early grave. Isn't that what you said?"
Her words hung in the air like a blade, and for once, Malvo had no clever retort.
