Chapter 43 · That sounds exactly like another cage

She laughed once, breathless and angry. "That sounds exactly like another cage."

"Maybe."

"That isn't comforting."

"I'm not trying to comfort you. I'm telling you the truth."

The door behind him groaned. A seam split across the metal.

Kael lowered his forehead until it almost touched hers. "If you run now, the suppression field will find your code before you reach the next corridor. If you stay with me, I can shut it down."

"And if I refuse?"

"I carry you."

"Try it and I break your nose."

"You already tried."

"I can do better next time."

A tiny pull touched the corner of his mouth. It vanished before she could decide if she had really seen it.

"There you are," he murmured.

"What?"

"The woman who doesn't scare easy."

"I'm terrified. I'm just not giving you the satisfaction."

His expression changed. Not softer. Worse. More focused.

"I know."

The door blew inward.

Kael spun and shoved Vesper behind him. A security drone punched through the opening, its barrel charging with blue light.

"Down!"

They hit the floor together. The drone fired.