Chapter 28 · Don't look at me like that

He gave her a flat look.

"Don't look at me like that," she said. "You're the one who tried to kill me twice."

"Only twice?"

"You want a third?"

The corner of his mouth moved. Then his expression failed. His hand flew to his chest, and he staggered.

Sylvia caught him again.

This time he dragged her down with him.

They landed hard against the table. Cassian braced himself over her, one arm locked beside her shoulder, the other pressed to his chest. His face was close. His hair brushed her temple. His breathing came in short, rough pulls.

"Get off me," she said.

"You said I had to kneel."

"That isn't kneeling. That's collapsing."

"Details."

"Cassian, look at me."

His eyes found hers.

The black lines along his throat had reached his cheek. The pulse under them faltered.

Sylvia shoved at him until he rolled onto the table. She climbed after him and straddled the edge beside his hip only because there was no room to stand. Her knee pressed against his side. His hand caught her waist on instinct.

She slapped it away.

"Touch me again and I break your fingers."

"You say that every time.