I charged at him, fueled by a whirlwind of emotions, and his eyes flew open in surprise. We found ourselves on the ground, and I was straddling him, my fists raining down onto his face with each powerful connection. Hayes showed no signs of defense; instead, he welcomed every punch, his expression a strange mixture of relief and amusement. 

"Henry is so much better than you'll ever be, you idiot!" I screamed, my voice raw with pent-up frustration. Hayes's chest vibrated beneath me, not from ...