Dirk does not remember that, no. He remembers having the impromptu conversation about Steven and Jack's sex life--and he remembers Steven's flagrant enjoyment of the subject, which was noted at the time and has since been filed away mentally as another specific item on his short but growing inventory of Steven's specific paraphilias. But he has zero recollection of ever being stupid enough to insult Jack in the man's own mansion.

But between Dirk's current frame of mind and his own (no doubt well-intended) suggestion, Steven inadvertently spares himself a swerve into a topic much more salacious but somewhat less immediately salient.

"You're suggesting that anyone else but me is pulling my strings."

There's anger and then there's loathing--and then there's the tone of his voice, sharper than even the blades of certain well-known swords whose names could be listed here.