"Yeah, of course you can't," Gold says simply, expression turning serious quite suddenly. Even his posture straightens. He's not in the mood for manly posturing, if that's what Trip's doing. "If she was here, what would you do? Fight her? That's nice of you, but don't worry about it. I'm doing fine."

That's Gold's way of trying to dissuade Trip from attempting it, without admitting he's afraid or implying Trip would lose. He knows saying those could easily have the opposite effect.