Chapter 35 · You said you wanted out

"You said you wanted out."

"I want out alive."

"Pick one."

I glared at him. "You really are the city's favorite idiot."

"And you're the city's most wanted criminal. Somehow, I still have better manners."

The floor shook.

A section of iron plating split open near the door. Black cables whipped out and struck the ground. One wrapped around Julian's ankle before he could move.

He hit the floor hard.

"Julian!"

The cable yanked him toward the opening.

He grabbed the edge of the rail with both hands. His shoulders locked. The bond snapped tight between us, and pain shot through my arms.

"Don't just stand there!" he shouted.

"I was enjoying the view."

I lunged and dropped onto my stomach, catching his wrist.

The cable pulled again.

Julian's weight dragged me forward. My knees scraped against the metal. His fingers closed around mine, hot and slick with blood.

"Let go," he said.

"Not a chance."

"Vesper, let go."

"You're going to have to make me."

His eyes met mine. The panic was there now, buried under anger and that stupid bloody smirk.

"You always this difficult?"

"Only with heroes."

"Good. I was worried I was special.