Page 316 of Power Play

“Then stop standing there like you know what this feels like.”

Briggs locked one hand around my wrist. “I know enough.”

“You don’t know shit.”

“I know you told her exactly what would happen.”

I drove him backward into the glass.

“I know you walked into that house anyway.”

His back struck the boards.

“I know you asked her for one sentence.”

“Shut the fuck up.”

“I know she didn’t give it to you.”

I swung again.

This time, Briggs blocked me. He caught my arm and drove his shoulder into my chest, forcing me away from the boards.

I recovered and came back at him.

Our sticks struck the ice as I grabbed his shirt with both hands. Briggs caught me around the upper arms, and we slammed into the glass together. The impact shook through the empty arena.

“Hit me,” I snarled.

“No.”

“Fucking hit me.”

“No.”

“I don’t need you protecting me.”

“I’m not protecting you.”

“Then what the fuck are you doing?”

“Letting you decide when you’ve had enough.”

I shoved harder, but he had the better position. Briggs locked his skates against the ice and absorbed everything I gave him.

“I haven’t had enough.”

“I know.”

“I told her.”

“I know.”

“I fucking warned her.”

“I know.”

“She promised me.”