Chapter 7 · Shadow Deals

"You’re playing a dangerous game, Sera. Even for a rat," Nora hissed, her voice vibrating right against my ear.

Before I could blink, she slammed me back against the cold marble wall of the dressing room. The impact knocked the air out of my lungs, but she didn't let up. She pinned my wrists above my head with one hand, her grip like iron shackles. The other hand pressed firmly against my chest, forcing me to feel the erratic, heavy thrum of her heart.

"I'm not a rat," I managed to choke out, staring straight into those golden eyes that were starting to flicker with something dark. "I'm just diversifying my options. You're not the only one who knows how to buy loyalty in this city."

Nora leaned in closer, her breath warm and smelling of expensive champagne and something metallic—like ozone before a storm. The distance between us vanished. I could feel the heat radiating off her body, a sharp contrast to the chill of the wall.