[He was unperturbed by her defensiveness. Despite what life lessons he might be providing, he knew what it was like to be giddy with the want to be close to someone. It invaded thoughts, bubbled up emotions, tugged at one's attention. It was uplifting, and it wasn't unusual to chase such sensations.]

And yet, you'll want to spend time with him all the same. It's an expected response; most of us have been there, Jinx. After all, four days is fresh enough to want to assure yourself of solidification of it.

[He puffed on his cigar casually, stockpiling the unease that he felt for the time being. That was his to process on his own, not here during a meal even if it might seem that one or both of them were done with it. He already knew that tonight wouldn't be pleasant, that he would stare out the window and ponder all the threads and complications of this relationship and then... be drawn back into the old ache of the past.

He flicked his eyes to the wine bottle, reaching out to tap ashes into the tray.]

We haven't the resources to run the city. We must move cautiously and slowly. If we grab too many available resources too quickly, there will be those that will be push to act. I don't yet have the same power base as I did back in Zaun. It's all niceties for now.

[Being the friendly helping hand as he slowly extended his reach and make connections. He had time. The sister and the enforcer would complicate things as he couldn't slip behind his old titles.]