Chapter 28 · Listen to me

He caught my face between both hands.

The touch stopped me cold.

His palms were hot against my cheeks. His thumbs rested just below my eyes, careful not to press. He stood close enough that I could feel every uneven breath he took.

"Listen to me," he said. "If you pull too much, I won't be able to hold the bond together."

"Then hold it."

"If I can't?"

"I won't let you fail."

"You can't promise that."

"I just did."

His eyes searched mine. "You heard my fear."

"Yes."

"And you're still here."

"Don't make it sound like a miracle."

"It feels like one."

I shoved his hands away, but the bond kept us connected. The heat stayed on my skin.

"Move," I said.

Julian picked up his knife and pointed it at Hale. "If you call for backup, I use this on the relay instead of you."

Hale looked at the blade. "You won't."

"Try me."

"You think she changed you?"

Julian's eyes went flat. "No. She reminded me I had a choice.