Chapter 6 · Look at me

She grabbed his face with both hands and turned him toward her.

The energy stuttered.

His breath struck her lips.

For one stunned second, the stranger disappeared from the world. There was only Kade's heat, the rough edge of his breathing, and the frantic beat under her fingers.

"Look at me," she said.

"I am."

"No power. No throwing people. Just breathe."

"You're giving me orders now?"

"Yes."

"You hate taking orders."

"I hate watching idiots explode."

His eyes dropped to her mouth.

The bond pulled tight.

"Evelyn," he said, so quietly she almost missed it.

The stranger lunged.

Kade turned, but he was too slow.

The blade cut across his side.

Evelyn screamed as the same pain tore through her ribs.

Kade grabbed her before she fell.

"I'm fine," he said.

"You are absolutely not fine."

"It's shallow."

"I can feel it!"

"Then stop touching me."

"I am holding you up!"

"I noticed."

The stranger came again.

Kade shoved Evelyn through the open access door and slammed it shut behind her. The lock engaged with a heavy clunk.

"Kade!"

His palm pressed against the other side.

"Go!"

"Open this door!"

"You need distance.