❧ | “S-Seriously?” Did… he seriously just ask her to knee him in the crotch? Of course, she gets that — in theory — it’s a hell of a way to get someone to let go of her. But still, it is Holden and he hadn’t actually done anything to hurt her, so she’s a little hesitant to do so. She chews her lip, debating for a moment.
If this were a real situation, she would’ve already gotten herself pinned and God-knows-what done to her. Hesitancy isn’t good. Not when the seconds really count. He has a good hold on her wrists, and just for good measure, she tugs to see if she could break the grip on her own. “Um— okay…” When that doesn’t work, she lifts her knee up and strikes —- not very hard. She can’t bring herself to actually hurt him that badly.
“Totally,” he replies flippantly. He doesn’t admire her hesitance; it irks him, and he wants to change it. She isn’t as weak as she seems, he knows, and he constantly feels the need to fix things out of place.
“Oh, come on.” Holden nearly snorts, but he forces himself not to become something belittling. Instead, he shakes his head slightly, stepping closer – a distance meant to make her uncomfortable – and tightening his grip. This time, it’s meant to put some strain on her bones. “Look, I’m not afraid to hurt you. I’m willing to risk the consequences. So don’t be afraid to hurt me.”
