4 Chapter 4

“You can only run for so long.” Sempai Tyler tapped on the wall beside Jaime’s head. “Eventually, you are going to have to stand and fight.”

An angry heat suffused Jaime’s cheeks. Sparring in the dojo was one thing. Getting the crap beaten out of you in a back alley was another matter altogether. Jaime had to fight all his life just to be who he was.

“Hai, Sempai.” Jaime forced the words out.

Sempai Tyler gave him a quizzical look as he backed off to the center of the room and waited for Jaime tofollow.

“Have you ever gotten into a real fight?” Sempai Tyler asked.

“I’ve had to defend myself, if that’s what you are asking.” Jaime’s voice strained against the memories of black eyes and bruised ribs. Sempai Tyler looked surprised, but Jaime wasn’t going to sugarcoat the reality of his life.