Chapter 42 · I need you to trust me one more time

He pulled her closer, forehead nearly touching the edge of her mask. The bond beat between them, hard and fast.

"I need you to trust me one more time," he said.

"You’ve used up your chances."

"Then trust the bond."

"It’s killing us."

"It’s also the only thing keeping the rift from opening."

Another impact threw them against the console. Kade’s body took the hit. Evelyn’s back struck metal, and his arm locked around her before she could fall.

His mouth was close to hers. Not touching. Just there. His breath moved warm across her lips.

For one stupid second, the gunfire faded.

Kade’s gaze dropped to her mouth, then snapped back to her eyes.

"Don’t," she whispered.

"I didn’t."

"You thought about it."

"So did you."

She shoved his chest. "You’re unbelievable."

"You’re still holding my hand."

She looked down.

Their fingers were locked together, skin to skin. Neither of them had let go.

Mira shouted, "The coordinate is moving!"

The red light inside Evelyn’s chest shifted toward her heart’s center. Kade’s core answered with a burst of white heat.

He doubled over.

Evelyn caught his face between both hands. "Stay with me."

"I’m here."

"No, look at me."