"Didn't take a beating," he snapped. "You should've seen the other guy." He went silent for a moment before snorting, hacking up a wad of phlegm and spitting it to the side. "'sides, it's none of your goddamn business."

Finally, as she approached him, he straightened up. He didn't want to be demeaned by her, and slouching over like an injured animal would only place her above him.

"Let's just get this over with."