The look of rage on Everett's face when he barged in on them in Emily's kitchen made it all worth while. David felt a thrill go straight to his heart at the sight of Everett lunging toward him in the seconds before the stones disconnected, fist raised. The next instant he was gone, and David sent the confused soldier away as if nothing had happened. Emily was still trembling with emotion, angry and hurt and frustrated all at once, and David put an arm around her shoulders to comfort her. He wondered if she could feel his heart racing.
The second time took David completely by surprise, and the blow slammed him against the side of his car. As soon as he met the other man's eyes he knew it was Everett, and the instinct to fight back melted away. David's hands reached out on their own accord, pressing against Everett's chest, wanting to do so much more. The pain brought by fists was secondary to the pleasure David felt from having Everett's hands on his face. He experienced a certain satisfaction even as he slipped into unconsciousness. If he couldn't attract the intimacy of Everett's love, then he could at least have the intimacy of his violence.