Briggs’ POV
“What do you think you’re doing?”
Fedric’s voice comes out sharper than I expected, but not stronger. He’s already stepping backward. Already realizing this isn’t a conversation.
The door shuts behind me with a quiet click.
Riki moves in after me, casual, almost bored, but I know him well enough to see the alertness underneath it.
Fedric keeps moving until the back of his knees hit the edge of the bed. He stops, not because he wants to. Because he has to.
“What? Are you going to beat me up now?” he asks, forcing out a laugh that doesn’t quite land.
I don’t answer immediately, I take my time. Let the silence sit and stretch enough for him to feel it.
Then—
“Yes.” I step forward. “Hands down.”
His smile falters, just slightly.
“Why did you think you could lay hands on
