"He has that effect on people," she said, sighing heavily. "But then again, he never expects anyone to stand up to him. He thinks he'll keep people in fear by being a bully and a blowhard. That's one of the many reasons I'm not with him, I refused to take it anymore."
She shrugged, stealing the nearly-empty flask again. "But in the end, the one who has to make the choice is you. Is whatever, or whoever, you're protecting worth it? Can you take a black eye or a busted knee, if it means they'll be safe?"