Page 80 of The Beast's Heart

I’m not sure about the details, but I think there are rules around sharing foster children’s photos on social media.

Geoff pushes his tongue into his cheek as if biting back a retort. Eventually he says, “Situation’s different here. Maybe you should ask Beast about it, since you seem to be getting so close.”

Ah, maybe that’s where his strange energy is coming from. “We’re not getting close.”

“Sure.”

He ducks under the rope and then holds out a hand to help me up. Once we’re both standing in the ring, he checks my gloves are tight enough and nudges me into the position that we practiced, with my one foot a little forward for good balance. “Loose knees, Teach.”

“Why do you still call him Beast?”

“You got a demonstration yesterday, didn’t you? What did you do to set him off?”

The thought of confessing my transgressions to Geoff makes me feel a little ill. “I’d rather not say.”

He laughs and takes his stance opposite me. He’s close enough that he’s only a little fuzzy. “Elbows tucked in, hands by your face. Do you remember how to jab?”

I punch forward with my left arm while exhaling.

“Turn your knuckles as you punch.”

He watches as I practice jabbing a few times.

“He doesn’t mind being called Beast, you know? He likes it. Being strong, powerful, more than human.” He hops from foot to foot. “No, if you really want to get under his skin, you’ve got to make him feel weak. He can’t stand weakness. I’ll bet whatever you did yesterday, you found that out for yourself.”

Renewed shame flushes through me. I was practically standing rightinsidehis sore spot. “Yeah, that sounds right.”

“What did you do? Come on, tell me.”

“Uh, what was the other punch? The cross?” I make an attempt, turning my hip to put strength into it and I repeat a few one-twos, switching between the jab and the cross.

Geoff watches me. From what I can see of his expression, he seems amused. “It was that embarrassing, huh? Now I really want to know. What, you walked in on him naked?”

Adamhadbeen half dressed. But I didn’t have the chance to appreciate his wide chest or toned torso given the circumstances.

When I don’t answer, Geoff says, “Unless you’ve seen him naked already.”

I laugh. It sounds false even to me. “I haven’t.” I keep punching the air.

“But you want to. As if I don’t have eyes. You’re the blind one, Teach.” He steps in front of me and blocks my jab with his glove.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

His fist flashes out and stops a centimeter from my nose. “Always guard your face.”

I bring up my gloves in a block. He punches again, but this time doesn’t stop. My skull rattles with the impact to the gloves.

“Hit me!” He doesn’t ease up.

I step backwards and nearly lose my balance.

“Watch your footing!”

He punches my gloves. It’s probably not that hard, but I feel the impact in my head and my arms.

“Hit me!”

I take another step back and strike out with my own punch, but he slips away and throws a right hook at my shoulder. He laughs. “Try again!”

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