Chapter 22 · Forbidden Calm

"Don't move," Cain hissed.

His breath was hot against my ear, a warning and a promise. One more inch and I’d be spending the night on the floor.

He had me pinned. My back was flat against the cold marble wall, his forearm a heavy iron bar across my throat. Not choking me—just reminding me that my life was a gift he could revoke in a second. The air between us tasted like ozone and metal. That scent always clung to him when his temper flared.

"You're shaking, Ivy," he whispered.

His voice dropped an octave, a low, predatory vibration that rattled my ribs. "Is it fear? Or are you finally realizing your brother's the one who sold you? Not me."

I tried to swallow. The pressure on my windpipe made it a struggle. I glared up at him, eyes stinging. "Silas... Silas said you'd kill me if I didn't follow his lead."

Cain let out a sharp, mocking laugh.

He shifted, pressing his chest flush against mine. I could feel the hard lines of his muscles, the frantic thrum of his own heart hammering against my ribs.