There's something deeply satisfying about surprising the Force user. It's, he thinks, in the fact that Ren can literally read his mind. Has probably done so on multiple occasions. So to hold something over the other man is a gift in itself. Though, the shock melts, expression darkening and Hux knows it's anger. Knows there's going to be a retaliation of some kind.

This is who they are. Two men vying for power and a similar goal but disagreeing on the method. Fingers curl around his wrist (he's certain it will bruise) and they dig into flesh, bone. Even if he wanted he can't pull away and he's faced with the scorching fury from Ren.

"Try it and see where it gets you, Lord Ren." They've failed together and if Ren decides he's going to maim or murder him, well, he supposes he'd be spared the disappointment of Snoke. It's fatalistic, he knows– with the destruction of Starkiller, it's difficult to keep his head up.