Rhett didn't seem to understand how near the edge of freaking out Cecilia was. "I said you could try," she forced out through gritted teeth. "Not that it was in any way the advisable course of action. If you touch me, I will hurt you." She was getting angry. Her pulse was still racing and she would have liked to back off; to go to her room, center her breathing, chill the hell out. But she couldn't do that, because she didn't trust Rhett not to hurt somebody else.
"I already refused their terms," she snapped at him. "And I'm past caring about your punishment. If you're so desperately afraid, then go ahead. Try it. I am telling you that it will end badly for you."