Chapter 41 · You want me to crawl through that?

He shoved open a maintenance hatch. A dark shaft waited behind it.

I looked inside. "You want me to crawl through that?"

"Unless you have a better idea."

"I have several. Most involve leaving you behind."

"You won't."

"Don't sound so sure."

"If you were going to leave, you would've done it when the door opened."

I grabbed the front of his jacket and slammed him against the wall.

His shoulders hit the concrete. His breath broke. The bond sparked between our chests.

"You don't know me," I said.

"I know enough."

"You know a file. A wanted poster. A story your masters fed you."

"I know you gave me the last stabilizer."

"Because you're useful."

"I know you stayed when I told you to run."

"Because I hate unfinished business."

"I know your hand is shaking."

My grip tightened.

"It's not."

"It is."

He lifted one hand and touched two fingers to my knuckles. The gesture was careful, almost gentle. That made it worse.

"Let go," he said.

"Make me."

His eyes darkened. Not with anger. With something hotter and far more dangerous.

He turned us in one fast movement, reversing our positions. My back met the wall.