Something about the idea of her pushing past him seems to snap him out of whatever sharp-edged bantering mood he was in, and he goes rigid for a split second - something like a recoiling panic flashing in his eyes. But it's gone, quicker than most people would notice.

He leaves one hand splayed against the heavy door, and turns back.

"What's the best, then? I haven't got all night."

Here be dragons, Claire Bennet.