Forcing Alliances

"Flora, listen, I know this isn't ideal, but we don't have much choice." Adrian's voice came tightly drawn; hands clenched to his sides. Gone was his usually confident swagger, and the situation required more than a bruised ego.

Flora cast him a glance, arms across her chest, guarded. "Don't think you're gonna talk me into this, Adrian. We've got a bigger problem now. I can handle it."

He didn't back down. "I didn't say you couldn't. But we have to work this together. ...