Chapter 44 · I know you hate being told what to do

"I know you hate being told what to do."

The rifle shook in my hands.

"You're making a terrible argument."

"I know you hate losing."

"Jax—"

"And I know you don't trust me enough to let me die for you. So prove me right."

The targeting command burned brighter.

My finger tightened.

Jax moved.

He crossed the last step and slammed his palm over the rifle's barrel, forcing it against his chest instead of his head. His other hand caught my jaw and turned my face toward him.

His skin was warm. His thumb brushed the edge of my cheek. The contact was careful, almost gentle, which made the panic worse.

"You're not a weapon right now," he said. "You're the one holding it."

"You really think a speech fixes a control lock?"

"No. I think you do."

"You're insane."

"You keep coming back. Maybe you like insane."

The rifle trembled between us.

The soldier's boots scraped behind me.

Jax's eyes locked on mine.

"Say your name. Not the one Olympus gave you. Yours."

"I don't have one."

"That's a lie."

"I don't remember it."

"Then steal it back.