Chapter 19 · Steal His Mark

"You want me to cut it off you."

Kael doesn't blink. He's standing in the middle of the penthouse living room with his shirt already unbuttoned, the inheritance mark crawling black and silver across his collarbone like it's trying to reach his throat. The veins around it pulse faint red. He looks like he hasn't slept in two days.

"That's the deal Selene offered," he says. "You bring her my mark. She gives you Milo."

"And you die."

"Probably."

I cross my arms so he won't see my hands shake. "So why the hell are you standing there like you're about to help me kill you?"

Kael tilts his head. The motion's too smooth, too controlled. The curse is getting worse. "Because you're thinking about it."

I should tell him to go to hell. I should walk out. I don't move.

"Nora." He steps closer. Not fast, not threatening. Just steady. "If it were me, if someone had you in a collar and told me I could trade a piece of my skin for your life, I'd be sharpening the knife."

"Yeah, well." My voice comes out rough. "You're a psychopath."

"I'm honest." He stops an arm's length away.