Chapter 42 · I know your brain is trying to kill us both!

"I know your brain is trying to kill us both!"

His hold tightened. I felt his heartbeat against my back, hard and fast. His other hand closed around my wrist before I could drive my fingers into the port.

"Let me go," I said.

"No."

"Jax."

"Not happening."

"I can hurt you."

"You've made that very clear."

"I can break free."

"Maybe. But you'll have to put your elbow through my throat to do it."

The words landed between us. His mouth was close to my ear. His breath warmed my skin, steady even while mine came in sharp pieces.

"You'd let me?" I asked.

"If it keeps you alive? Yes."

"That's a stupid answer."

"It's the only one I've got."

I stopped struggling.

His arm stayed around me. Neither of us moved.

"Why do you care?" I asked.

"I don't."

"Try again."

"I care about beating Olympus. You're the key."

"That's not care. That's a use."

"Fine. I need you alive. Happy?"

"No."

"You never are."

"You noticed."

A tiny laugh escaped him. It died when the timer flashed across my vision again.

47:42:16.

Jax released me and stepped back.