[ How odd it must be for Irene to see the spider falter, if even for a moment. His face cringes into something akin to disappointments, eyebrows knitting together at her comment. Whether it's an act to play on the faux-sympathies offered by her or a legitimate moment of weakness, she may never know. The impassive expression and narrowed eyes ]

No matter. Persistent is my middle name, and there's room for another dagger in that heart of his.

[ Jim relinquishes his hold on Irene's hair when the punch knocks the wind from him, though he takes it rather well; a skill well honed over the years. It only takes a moment or two for him to regain enough composure to laugh a gut-wrenching laugh filled with pure amusement and a hint of something else much more twisted. He stands from his spot next to the modern leather chair and circle around in front of her, reaching out to grasp that same audacious wrist that had the pleasure of landing a hit on him. Still chuckling to himself, his vise grip on her wrist as tight as he can manage, he yanks her from the chair and makes certain she is drawn to him rather to the floor. ]

Come now, Miss Adler. Why didn't you tell me you wanted to dance?! That's your specialty isn't it? The physical, not the intellectual?

[ He pulls at her wrist again, throwing her away from him and quite decidedly towards the floor this time. ]