Chapter 37 · It needs your heartbeat

Kade's gaze dropped to her chest.

The bond pulsed beneath her ribs.

"It needs your heartbeat," he said.

"Then stop it."

"I'm trying."

"Try harder."

"You think I want this?"

"I think you always know more than you tell me."

"I had no memories."

"You still had instincts. You still knew how to find me. You still knew how to use every Crown weapon in this city."

"And you still let me stay near you."

The words landed between them.

Kade's hand remained at her waist. His thumb rested against the edge of her jacket, close enough for her to feel every small movement.

Evelyn should have stepped away.

Instead, she gripped his collar.

"Don't make this about me."

"You made it about us when you shared the pain."

"I did it so you wouldn't burn out."

"You could have let me take it."

"I don't let Crown weapons decide who dies."

"But you let me decide?"

"You haven't decided anything. You just keep throwing yourself in front of bullets."

"Someone has to."

"Not you."

His eyes narrowed. "Why not me?"

Evelyn opened her mouth.

Nothing came out.

The gate machinery roared beneath them.