Chapter 65 · I don't freeze

"I don't freeze."

"You just did."

His mouth tightened. He pushed away from the wall and staggered toward the rear of the passage.

Lila grabbed his jacket.

"Where are you going?"

"There has to be another exit."

"There is."

"You saw one?"

"I saw three. Two are trapped. The third drops into the old coolant shaft."

Cain looked at the floor grate ahead.

"How deep?"

"Deep enough to break your legs."

"Mine or yours?"

"Both, if you land on me."

"Then don't let me land on you."

"You are unbelievably annoying for a dying man."

"You like it."

Lila stopped.

Cain stopped too. His grip on her jacket remained, keeping her close. The narrow passage gave them nowhere to move except into each other. His chest rose against hers. Heat pushed through the torn fabric between them.

"Say that again," she said.

His eyes dropped to her mouth, then lifted fast.

"No."

"Coward."

"Smart."

"You're afraid I might agree?"

"I'm afraid you'll use it against me."

"I use everything against you."

"I know."

For half a second, neither of them moved.

Then the gate screamed as the hunters forced it wider.

Cain yanked the grate open.

"Down."

"You first."

"Lila."