The sudden hostility might have rolled off her back had she not already felt embarrassed and defensive. Incensed, she tried to shove him away but took an extra step backward anyway. "You can keep your damn respect!" Even if deep down she wanted him to respect her, she'd never admit it to herself and she'd never actively try to earn it. "I would rather be a cat for the rest of my life than act like a good little wife for one second! Do you know how boring it is?" Of course he didn't, he didn't even seem to relish the few social engagements he bothered to keep! "At least as a cat I can run and pounce and hunt things! I'd sooner set myself on fire than make small talk every day with people who think it's terribly exciting that they've got new wallpaper in their parlor!"
