Ugh. On one hand, he does not want to send this horrible - person Bella-ward. On the other hand, he is entirely justified in wanting to take Bella's direct word for it and Darren can't fault him for that. Darren does not like the idea of speaking for Bella, so - he's sorry she has to put up with him, but...

"If you want to ask her and be sure, go ahead," he says, coldly. "She'll just say exactly what I have been saying. Do try not to treat her like a carnival prize, Mike, difficult as it might be for you. She takes offense to that sort of thing."