You like me playing rogue?

Thalia swallowed and looked away. "It was the right thing to do. I knew I could save him. If I left him alone, then it would have weighed on my conscience."

"You didn't have to."

"Would you have let me go if I didn't," said Thalia with a self-deprecating smile. "He is your head enforcer, and I'm nothing. If I let him die, who knows what you have done to me."

Carter felt his lips twitch, and his temple suddenly throbbed. "Do you think of that as being unreasonable, darling? I wouldn't have punished you just because you chose to save yourself instead of someone else. People are selfish. I understand that."

Thalia inhaled sharply and glared at him. "Do you have to be such an asshole? I just saved your friend! The least you can do is thank me, there is no need for your sharp jabs."

"I'm sorry," said Carter, his eyes gleaming though this time they looked more playful than sadistic. "I