Instead he was staring at me like he was seconds away from getting up and storming across the bar and telling me I was up past my bedtime. He wouldn't dare. Kyler's eyes narrowed. He would.
In the scene, the protagonist feels an intensity from Kyler, who appears ready to confront them about their behavior. There's an implication of authority and a parental vibe, as the protagonist imagines Kyler might lecture them like a child. This inner dialogue highlights the tension between the characters and suggests a protective or possessive nature in Kyler.
The moment captures a mix of fear and defiance in the protagonist. While they see the threat in Kyler's narrowed eyes, there is an underlying realization that he might actually take action, illustrating a complicated dynamic between them that blends attraction with a sense of boundary-testing.