Sleepy Fox Hollow The way she goes, Bubs

What was it with women and words? They were all better at dishing them than him. Anselm was rattled; he shook the tension out from his ruff, eyeing Suzu with his most menacing scowl.

She remained unimpressed. In this way, he was reminded of Etienne. Both of them had a sleeping-volcano quality about them. The fire was there, it was just passive -- waiting for the right moment to spring.

It occurred to him that if he was cruel or rude to Etienne's sister further, that Etienne might find out -- and worse still, be hurt or hate him for his actions. This alone settled his acerbic tongue, but did nothing to address the chronic scowl on his face. Especially since she just laughed - and once again, Anselm was left knowing he was the brunt of some hidden joke.

Wait. Had she just called him good looking?

I would say the same for you, but you schtink. Anselm cleared his throat. It was too late to play nice, but he could at least try. For Etienne. Etienne is not here. He left to go -- Here, a visible look of anguish twisted Anselm's expression. See off a mutual friend.

But she was not a friend -- and that bitch had stolen everything from him by luring Etienne away.