Chapter 42 · I can promise it

"I can promise it."

"You can't promise survival."

"I can promise I will choose it."

"And when the program takes over?"

"You stop me."

"The chip is gone!"

"Then use your voice."

"What if my voice isn't enough?"

Cain leaned closer. His forehead touched hers.

"It was enough before."

Her breath caught between them.

"You were barely listening," she said.

"I heard every word."

"You almost killed me."

"I know."

"You put your hand around my throat."

"I know."

"I was scared of you."

His eyes closed for one second.

"I know," he said again, quieter.

Lila lifted a hand and caught the front of his shirt. "Don't do that again."

"I won't."

"Don't make me believe you if you're lying."

"I'm not."

"You don't know what the program will do."

"No."

"Then don't say you won't."

Cain opened his eyes. "I will fight it."

"And if you lose?"

"You run."

"No."

"Lila."

"No. I am done running from people who want to use you."

"You have a brother waiting for you."

"I know."

"Then survive for him."

"I am surviving for me too.