I clench my fist. “Since you obviously already knew, why did you make me say it?”
“Hearing you verbally acknowledge your limitations brings flavor and spice to my life. Why were you keeping it a secret?”
“I don’t know. I . . . Maybe I just didn’t want you looking down on me.”
“I will never not look down on you, chiefly because of our height difference. When did it start?”
“A while ago.”
“Was it before or after I allowed you to be alone at the cabin— ”
“You allowed me?”
“— under repeated reassurances that you could take care of yourself, killer?”
“I . . . Before. I already couldn’t shift.”
His jaw tics. “Here’s the deal: you’re not an idiot.”
“Wow. What a compliment.”
“Sure. Keep that in mind when I ask you why the f**k you are acting like one. How. Long?”
“It’s genuinely hard t
