“No, I think you did something to him,” I reply, grinning. “He wasn't the same after your little conversation. I don't think he was used to talking to someone who didn’t have to take his shit. He didn’t say a word to me after that—brooded in the office most of the day. When he would leave his office, he’d be dejected and stare down at his feet as he walked. You stole all of his confidence.”

“He never had it to begin with,” Nas says as he places a platter on the counter with foil on top of it. “A guy like Vance is just feigning confidence. He’s just as scared and insecure as the next person, he just doesn’t want anyone to know it, so he acts out.”

“I can definitely confirm that he acts out,” I reply, just before lifting myself up onto the counter behind Nas. “I think his biggest problem in our relationship was that he couldn't control me. When I wouldn't do the things he asked, or if I acted in a way he didn’t like, he’d be pissed that he couldn't keep me in check. So, his whole world is probably falling apart right now, but what can I say—I’m not one to be controlled by a man.”

Nas removes the foil from atop the platter in front of him, revealing two thick pieces of steak with bacon wrapped around them secured by a blue skewer through the middle of each piece. Both steaks are already perfectly seasoned with something that smells divine, making my nostrils flare. I think Nas is going to turn around and ask me for a pan to cook the steaks in, but instead, when he whirls around, he has a strange look on his face. It’s not an intimidating expression, and I can’t quite define it, but it pins me to the counter.

“What's the matter?” I ask, trying to navigate my way through his puzzled expression.

Nas barely shakes his head. “Nothing’s the matter. I just find that interesting.”

“What? That I’m not one to be controlled by a man?”

“Exactly,” he answers with a raised eyebrow, and I finally realize the reason he has that look on his face. It’s not an expression of anger or intimidation. He’s intrigued by the challenge I’ve just presented to him.

“What’s interesting about it?” I ask, feeling a surge of excitement come to life in my stomach.

“It’s interesting that you identify with certain parts of Ava from The Patient, yet balk at the thought of being controlled.”