Page 188 of Hard Pass

I rear back to throw again—

“Cole.”

Throw. Grunt.

“Cole.”

Stronger this time as the ball slams into the wall again.

I turn. “What?” tears out of my throat.

Camden Wolfe is standing in the doorway. Watching me. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Nothing,” I snap. “Leave it.”

I go for the ball again, but he steps in front of it. “No, man.”

“Move.”

“Not happening. I’m not going to let you tear your arm up.”

“Wolfe, not in the fucking mood—”

“No shit. That’s why I’m not moving.”

I step into him. “Get out of my way.”

He doesn’t budge. “Make me.”

That’s all it takes. I shove him—hard. He stumbles back half a step, then plants.

“Really?” he says, eyes narrowing. “You want to take a swing at me?” He holds out his arms. “Go right ahead but it’s not going to help whatever shit’s eating you.”

“Just go,” I grit out. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

“Go!”

“No.”

I swing. Not clean. Not controlled.

He catches it, grabbing my arm. “Hey—”

“Let go!” I wrench it free, but he’s already stepping in again, hands up, ready.

“Take it out on me if you have to, Valor, but I’m not leaving you here alone.”

“I don’t need—”

“Yes, you do.”

I hate that his words are true. I lunge again, not even sure what I’m aiming at anymore.

He grabs me this time. Locks me in with his arms around my shoulders, holding me in place.

“Easy,” he says. “Easy.”