His Indulgence || Book Two

Regret

Eric's POV:

Joshua had gestured to the butler to spike my drink, hoping he'd catch me at vulnerability when talking about my deceased brother. It was a distraction all along, and most people would've felt for it. In my case, I suspected it from the beginning. Every subtle move of his, I noticed. From the vacant hallway of a Wednesday night, to the widespread table, and to the distraction tactic of sensitive subjects. He was playing games, but little did he know. Like I've said— I'm underestimated.

I got up from my chair, this time throwing the cup across the table, aiming—but missing— Joshua. Instead, the drink spilt over the man beside him, soaking through his clothes and clearly seeping into his pores, entering his system instantaneously.

Joshua and the other man were up in a flash after my attack. Joshua tilted his head to me, gesturing to the other guy to get rid of me.

I scoffed. They're really going to try to kill me.

Under my breath, I spoke to myself. "May the best man win."

With that, the man rushed around the table and came toward me. Instantly, I kicked into battle mode. All the rage and frustration poured out of me, it felt like electricity.

My only answer was to swing out my handy tactical pen in hope to get a slice in, but he dodged my move. I took a quick glance at Joshua from across the table, he was reaching into his pocket, pulling out a knife. This meant I had to handle this one quick, or else I'd have to take on another, which was armed.

My foot hit the guy, striking his gut, and I jerked my kick back before he could grab me. He hunched over, hand over his stomach, coughing.

I took this very short opportunity to manage an upward strike that dragged the sharp tip of the pen across his face. It wouldn't even come close to killing him, but he screamed in anguish and slowed down his defenses.

His collapsed frame put him in a vulnerable position, therefore I didn't hesitate. I sent a swift, hard, cold-cock punch to his face (since he was standing near the wall), which led to his head driving into it. I didn't have to be a doctor to know that this tactic caused the back of his skull to shatter fatally. Score one for me.

I caught a silvery flash out of the corner of my eye. Hastily glancing over, I saw Joshua running up behind me with the same thick, knife in his hand.

I didn't waste a moment. I mostly stayed out of Joshua's reach, though he did grab hold of me long enough to slam me against the wall and snuck in a few punches in my face. I didn't even feel it. I just kept moving, going on the offensive, avoiding his blade at all times.

Eluding his next attack, I managed to get in some blows of my own and then slipped under, dodging his swing. I popped back up, and realized the knife was approaching my throat, closer than anticipated. Instinctively, I threw my hands up, having no choice but to grip the blade itself.

I felt the blade cut deep into my palms as I pushed harder with every ounce of force I had. At this very moment, I didn't have time to worry about my wounds, therefore I ignored the sharp pain and continued to thrust the dagger away from me.

After a few short seconds of pushing, I had it at arm length distance and was now able to conduct another attack. I unwrapped one of my hands around the knife and sent a punch into his temple.