Chapter 7 · The Frozen Throne

"You think you're safe now?" Kane's voice brushed my ear as his hand locked around my wrist.

He slammed me back against the tree. Rough bark scraped my shoulders. His chest pinned me in place, heat pouring off him through our clothes.

"The dogs are gone," I gasped. "You won. Now let go."

"I didn't do this for the dogs."

His grip tightened.

"Then what the hell do you want?"

Kane leaned closer. His breath warmed the side of my face, but his voice stayed cold.

"Payment."

I stopped fighting long enough to glare at him. His eyes glowed gold in the gray fog, the pupils narrowed like a predator's.

"Payment for what? Saving me? Nobody asked you to play hero."

A dark laugh rumbled against my skin.

"Hero? That's what you think I am?"

"I think you're enjoying this way too much."

His mouth curved.

"You used me to make your ex crawl. You called in a favor, Sia. Favors like that don't come cheap."

"I didn't ask you to save me."

"No." His thumb brushed once over my wrist. "You just expected me to."

That hit too close.

I yanked against his hold. "You're unbelievable.