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CONAN

“ I s Hallie okay?” I ask as soon as Finn barges into my room.

“Yes. She’s fine. We said we’d look out for her.”

I nod, adrenaline already burning through my veins as I jog on the spot.

“You ready?” Finn asks, stepping aside as I punch the air.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

He nods, sliding on his cap.

“I’m saying this out of brotherly love—and because, for some reason, I think Hallie’s good for you—but don’t lose your head in there. She’s watching.”

I freeze and swallow hard.

“I’m trying.”

But I can’t help it when that switch flips. When that fury eats through everything.

“You need to give yourself more credit. You control the switch, not the other way around.”

I nod.

“You want that championship shot? Go fucking get it, brother.”

He grips my shoulder hard. Sometimes he reminds me of Dad so much it guts me.

Fuck, I miss him.

“I will.”

“Now, please get back out there with Hallie. I’m starting to question if bringing her was a bad idea.”

Finn chuckles. “Too late now, Con. You realize the more time she spends with us, the more she’s going to start working us out? She’s clever, that girl.”

Chewing on my lip, I nod.

“I want her to know all of me.”

Except the Decadence Chase. That part stays buried.

“She’s not like Charlotte, Con. She might not be as accepting of our lifestyle.”

I clench my wrapped fists.

“I guess I’ll just have to see how far I can push her before she runs.”

“That’s the spirit. Good luck, bro.”

As the door shuts behind him, I sit on the bench, waiting for my name to be called.

How much will be too much for Hallie?

If she knew who I really was, would she still be here?

I slam my fist into my thigh.

“Con. You’re up.” Grayson strides into the room.

I stand and pull on my competition gloves.

“Use your head. Stay light on your feet. Then unleash the beast. You’ve got this easy.”

He taps my back as I walk toward the tunnel.

I won’t lose my head.

Not this time.