Chapter 12 · Put Her on Camera

"You get one minute," Julian said. "After that, my heart gives out again."

I tightened my grip on the front of his jacket. "Then stop wasting it."

His knees hit the metal platform hard enough to ring through the chamber. I caught him before his shoulder slammed into the control console, but his weight dragged me down with him. Heat soaked through his shirt beneath my palm. His breathing came rough and uneven, each pull scraping like it hurt.

Behind us, the vault doors groaned.

Celeste's people were still coming.

"Mara." Julian's hand closed around my wrist. His fingers were cold now. Too cold. "The broadcast rig is three levels down. You can't carry me there and set this up alone."

"Good thing I'm not asking you to carry anything." I shoved his arm over my shoulders. "Stand up."

He gave me a look that would have scared most people into obedience. It only made me dig my elbow into his ribs.

His mouth tightened. "You enjoy ordering me around?"

"No. I enjoy you staying alive long enough to be useful. Move.