Marcus's fist is still knotted in Joseph's collar when Joseph's patience snaps. His arm arcs; the punch lands with a sound the linoleum can't absorb. Marcus staggers, grip slipping, and Joseph shoves him back against the wall.
“Touch me again," Joseph says. “Feel a fraction of what you made her feel."
I hover near the fluorescent tube that buzzes when the air is too quiet. If I had a heart, it would be doing the hard work of choosing a side you can't afford to lose.
Marcus straightens, hand at his jaw, eyes bright with the fury he calls control. “Where is she?" he demands.
“Gone," Joseph says. “Seraphina is gone."
Marcus laughs, cold and practiced. “She's playing you. Tears, timing, threats. She wants leverage."
“You want leverage," Joseph snaps. “You wrecked her name so she'd have n
