I think the blow startled him more than anything. He took a step back, letting go of my arm in surprise, and just blinked at me. He put one hand to his mouth, and when he drew his fingers away, there was blood on them.
I planted my feet and faced him, without meeting his eyes.
"Don't touch me."
Morgan continued to stare at me. And then I saw anger creep over his face, set his jaw, make the veins at his temple stand out.
"How dare you," he said.
"How dare you strike me."
"It wasn't so hard," I said.
"If you've got Council business with me, I'm willing to give you whatever respect is your due. When you come on strong to me on personal business, I don't have to put up with it."
I saw the steam coming out of his ears as he mulled it over. He looked for a reason to come after me, and realized that he didn't have one, according to the Laws. He wasn't too bright—did I mention that already?—and he was a big one for following the Laws.
