Axel stormed back to his room, his entire body tense with frustration. The confrontation with Tay played over and over in his mind like a cruel taunt. Each word, each pointed look, had cut deep into his pride and his sense of justice. For every step forward he thought they made in understanding one another, Tay always found a way to throw him off balance, forcing him to question everything.
"That smug bastard," Axel muttered, slamming the door shut behind him.
He headed straight for the shower, hoping the rush of hot water would wash away not only the sweat and grime from the training session but also the anger that burned inside him. As the water cascaded over his skin, he leaned against the wall, letting his head rest against the cool tiles.
But as much as he wanted to dismiss Tay’s c
