Chapter 34 · You don't get to decide to die

She pulled him back. The tether snapped, and pain shot through both of them. Raven stumbled into her. His chest met hers, armor against leather and metal. Her hand landed against his sternum to stop him from falling.

For one dangerous second, they were pressed together in the middle of the shaking vault.

He felt her pulse through her glove.

She felt his breath catch.

"You don't get to decide to die," she said.

"You tried to kill me the first time we met."

"That was before I knew you were an idiot."

"Now you know me better?"

"Unfortunately."

"Then you know I don't stop when somebody tells me to."

"I know. That's why I'm telling you this." Her fingers curled in his coat. "If you take that core and lose control, I will cut your hand off."

"You'd lose the hand too."

"Then we both bleed."

"You really know how to make a man feel wanted."

Her eyes dropped to his mouth for the smallest instant.

The tether noticed.

Heat ran between them, quick and sharp. Seraphina let go as if his coat had burned her.

"Don't flatter yourself," she said.

"I didn't say anything."

"Your face did.