Chapter 34 · You just said I told you to let them die

"You just said I told you to let them die."

"I said I remember you saying it."

"That's not the same thing."

"No.

It's worse."

The gate screamed.

A wave of force slammed through the station.

Evelyn's grip broke.

She flew backward.

Kade caught her before she hit the rails, one arm around her waist, the other braced against the pillar beside her head.

His body blocked the falling debris.

Stone cracked against his shoulder.

"Kade!"

"Stay with me."

"I'm here."

"Your heartbeat's skipping."

"Yours isn't exactly steady."

"Mine doesn't matter."

"Don't say that."

"Why?"

"Because you don't get to die and make me follow you."

"I won't."

"You don't know that."

"Then I'll make sure you live long enough to hate me properly."

His face was inches from hers.

His breath came hot against her skin.

The bond dragged their heartbeats together again, one hard beat, then another.

Evelyn could feel his fear under the control he wore like armor.

Not fear of the gate.

Fear of the memory waiting behind it.

"You're scared,"

she said.

"Yes."

The admission stopped her.

Kade's gaze held hers.

"I'm scared I'll remember why you hated me."

"You already know why."

"Not enough."