Chapter 23 · Last Lie

"Beg," Cain said, his thumb pressing under my jaw. "Or watch your father die for the debt he left you."

My knees hit the stone before I could decide whether to punch him or bite him.

Father made a broken sound behind me. "Ella, don't. He wants you on the floor. That's all this is."

"You don't get to tell me what he wants," I snapped.

Cain's hand stayed on my throat. Not tight enough to choke. Just enough to remind me that he could.

His body blocked mine from my father, broad and warm against the cold air pouring through the cracked hall. His black coat brushed my bare wrist. That tiny touch sent heat up my arm, which pissed me off more than the pressure on my jaw.

"You heard him," Cain murmured. "Your father understands the rules. You still pretend you don't."

I shoved at his chest. "Take your hand off me."

He let me push him exactly half an inch.

Then he caught my wrist and pinned it beside my head against the stone pillar. His face lowered until his breath touched my mouth.

"Ask nicely."

"Go to hell."

"I already rule it."

Father stumbled forward.