Chapter 28 · Break the Chain: The Rogue Play

"Get your hands off me, Cain!"

I didn't just shout it. I slammed my palm into his chest, trying to shove him back into the shadows. He didn't budge. He was a wall of cold muscle and Kevlar. His grip on my wrist tightened, his thumb pinning my pulse against my own skin.

"Shut up and stay down," Cain hissed. The vibration rattled my teeth. He slammed me against the jagged concrete, crowding me. I could smell ozone and burnt metal clinging to his gear.

"Victor's scanners are sweeping every ten seconds," he breathed, his face inches from mine. "You breathe too loud, we're both dead."

"I can handle myself," I spat.

My heart was trying to kick its way out of my ribs. I twisted my arm, but he shifted, pressing his hip firmly against mine to lock me in. The friction of his tactical trousers against my legs sent a jolt through me that had nothing to do with fear.

"Handle yourself?" Cain's eyes searched mine, dark and demanding. "You're a walking beacon, Lyra. Your core is screaming. Let go, and you're just handing Victor a map to your front door.