Kirk glared up at him, all defiance, shifted beneath him with hard rapid breaths and demanded his freedom. Just like that. Like it would be granted to him because this was his ship and he was her captain.

So you can shoot me? Again.

Ayel nuzzled with his hand, curled close and hot across the back of James' head, just to prove that he could. Shouldn't feel so good.

Teeth flashed, lips curved, but there was nothing real about the smile. The slap that accompanied it was pretty solid.

Angry. He had to stay angry or he was going to get--

"No."

A denial as much to himself as to James.