Not too hard, though. I know exactly how much force I’m using.
I’m not trying to hurt him, I’m trying to make him hurt me. Trying to push him into fighting back harder, giving me everything he’s got.
But he won’t.
He just blocks, jaw tight, eyes burning with defiance.
“Damn you,” I snarl. “Fight back! Hit me, for Christ’s sake!”
“Luke, what the fuck are you doing?”
Reid’s voice cuts in behind me, sharp and furious, but it doesn’t stop me. He grabs me and hauls me off Talon, and I turn on him without thinking, swinging.
A distant part of me knows I’ve lost the plot. I don’t want to hurt Reid, but that doesn’t stop my fists.
He dodges most of it anyway. He’s not formally trained, but he’s fast—street fighter instincts, quick reflexes.
“Stop!” he snaps. “Luke, stop it!”
There’s movement around us—voices, footsteps—but none of it lands until I see her.
Sierra stands near the steps with Amanda, staring at me.
It hits like cold water.
What the fuck am I doing?
The rage is still there, pounding through me, but I force myself upright, dragging in a breath.
“What the hell was that about?” Reid demands.
I don’t answer. I wipe my mouth, breathing hard. Talon’s already on his feet, walking away.
Reid looks between us, trying to figure out where to start.
“Check on Talon first,” I say, my tone coming out almost casual. “I don’t think I broke his nose, but better make sure.”
Reid just stares at me, then shakes his head.
“I’ll deal with you later.”
He goes after Talon.
I’m still pissed as I wipe the blood from my mouth. My teeth ache—feels like one of my incisors might be loose. If he’s messed that up, I swear to God…
Yeah, like you didn’t start it.
My eye throbs. My ribs ache. My lip’s split, and I’m going to be bruised to hell for days.
But it wasn’t enough.
It’s not what I wanted.
Jesus, Luke. Get a grip. You’re spiraling.
“What happened?”
Sierra’s voice pulls me back. I didn’t even hear her approach.