The laugh sounded both so like her and so so different. Just once had Dexter heard Rita laugh like that, soft and husky in a way that sent a shiver up his spine. It had been one of those rare occasions before Paul and Lila, when he actually thought he had a shot at a normal relationship and Rita had actually been happy instead of worn down by all the abuse.
"I'm starting to discover that about this city."
The place where all the rules seemed to fly out of the window. Space travel, time travel and to top it all off many many demons and monsters of varying kinds for him to play with.
"I see," he smirked at her. "You're not a woman who goes for the mixed messages then."
He peered down at the unconscious man, somewhat bemused, until he laughed. "From the sounds of things it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy."
Later. Later he would get the guy alone and go ahead with the torturing him, killing him and dismembering him plan. It was still a good plan. Only now it had that extra, wonderful element that he could taunt the abusive bastard over the fact that he'd been beaten unconscious by a woman half his size. Attacking a man's masculinity was always entertaining.
As her drink was put down he caught the attention of the bartender. "I'll get this," he pulled out some cash, counting out a couple of notes and placing them on the bar. "And I'll have a beer, thanks."
The bartender nodded, taking the money and getting his drink as Dexter focused back on Darla.
"Dexter Morgan," he relied back. "And manners have always been overrated. It's nice to meet you."