Chapter 53 · You are afraid

She shoved at his chest. He did not move.

"Let go."

"You are afraid."

"Of you? Please."

"Your hand is shaking."

"Because your memories feel like knives."

His thumb pressed once against the inside of her wrist.

The touch was small. Careful. It still sent another wave through the binding.

Sylvia looked up at him. His face was inches from hers. She could feel his breath now, warm against her cheek, even though neither of them had lungs in this place.

"Do not do that," she said.

"Do what?"

"Touch me like you mean it."

Something shifted in his eyes.

"How else should I touch you?"

"You should not touch me at all."

"You stitched us together."

"To save us. Not to give you permission."

"You have been in my body for weeks."

"And you have been in mine."

"I know."

The words came out rough.

Sylvia felt his attention drop to her mouth. It lasted only a second, but she felt it. The pause. The restraint. The question he refused to ask.

She hated him for noticing her too.

"Say it," she whispered.

"Say what?"

"Whatever you are thinking. You are very brave when you are ordering me around."