He's bracing his jaw for impact after that start but, thankfully, he's safe for now. He can't promise he won't keep digging when he hears Carolina practically sounding like she's trying to convince herself right in front of him. Self-appointed as he is, he's still doing this in hopes of easing tensions and he can't do that if he doesn't know where they pull tightest.

"I don't think that's what she really wants," his tone has softened considerably. "Is that what you want?"