Nico's jaw tenses, the edges of her mouth tugging involuntarily downwards. What's with this palpable silence? Why's Akiha looking at her like she's just grown a second head?

It occurs to Nico, with a bitter little sting, that she may have overestimated her chances.

"I was kidding," she says flatly, "so just take the money." And she plants it in her hand and steps back, allowing no further protest.