[ Krouse straightens his back and lifts his chin, a ghost of confidence curving his mouth. ]

Or maybe they think I'm cocky. Overestimating myself.

[ He nods at her. ]

Like you. [ Before that comment can linger, give offence, he keeps going. ] You don't exactly look like a prize fighter. I bet it makes people drop their guard, try to cross the line. Put you in your place, so to speak.

[ He knows it's different for women. He can't exactly relate. When other guys try to knock him down a peg, he represents a different kind of threat to their fragile masculinity than a girl who doesn't flinch. But it's generally the same kind of guy who has a problem with both. ]

But considering that you're here, picked out by whoever brought us here, I'm guessing you can back it up.