Chapter 51 · That was almost polite

A third impact punched a dent through the door.

Cain released her wrist and stepped back.

Lila rubbed the red marks on her skin. "That was almost polite."

"Don't get used to it."

"Put your hand out."

"Why?"

"Because I need contact."

His stare dropped to her hand. "Contact for what?"

"The data key says the voiceprint won't hold unless the band reads a live neural connection."

"You mean skin contact."

"I mean hand to hand. Keep your filthy imagination out of it."

His mouth tightened. "I wasn't imagining anything."

"Sure. And I'm the queen of the Hive. Hand. Now."

Cain offered his palm.

Lila placed hers against it.

His hand swallowed hers. His skin was hot, rough in places, and marked with thin scars that ran across his knuckles. The band flashed red, then orange.

Cain's fingers closed around hers.

"If this goes wrong—"

"It will."

"Lila."

She looked up. "What?"

"If I hurt you, use the kill command."

Her mouth went dry. "You trust me with that?"

"No. I trust you to save yourself."

The door latch snapped.

Lila leaned closer, keeping her hand locked with his. "Say you agree.