Chapter 31 · You cut him off

"You cut him off."

"He was inside my system."

"You cut him off because he knows something."

"He knows how to manipulate you."

"You mean he knows how to tell me the truth."

Silas stepped between me and the table.

The key hovered beside my shoulder, still linked to the collar by that thin blue beam.

"You trust a man who sells people to get what he wants?"

"I trust nobody."

"Good. Start with him."

"I started with you."

"And yet you're still here."

"Because your collar won't let me leave."

"No. You're still here because some part of you wants answers more than it wants distance."

I shoved him.

He barely moved.

"Don't pretend you know what I want."

"I know you want the truth."

"Then give it to me."

"I can't."

"Can't or won't?"

"Both."

The honesty made my anger turn sharp.

I hooked my fingers around the key again. The beam snapped tighter. The collar seam opened another millimeter.

Silas seized my hand and forced it down.

"Stop."

"Make me."

"I will."

"You keep promising."

His eyes dropped to my mouth, then rose to mine.

"You're trying to provoke me."

"You're already provoked."

"You have no idea."