Chapter 43 · Look at me

The lock flared again. Kade dropped to one knee.

Ayla caught his face between both hands. His skin was hot. His breath shook against her fingers.

"Look at me," she said.

His eyes found hers.

"I am looking."

"No, you're slipping. Stay here. Stay with me."

"You keep saying that like I have somewhere else to go."

"You do. Into a grave."

His mouth twitched despite the pain. "There she is."

Voss raised the key. "Last chance."

Ayla glanced at the chip in her coat.

Milo's face flashed in her mind. His name. His legal status. The apartment they could finally keep. The first clean document her family had ever owned.

Then Kade's hand found hers.

His palm was rough and hot. His thumb dragged once across the old scar beneath her knuckles.

"Don't do it," he said.

"You think I haven't heard that before?"

"Not like this."

"You don't know me."

"I know you lie when you're scared. I know you bite the inside of your cheek when you're deciding whether to run. I know you keep your brother's picture under your left sleeve because you check it every time you think nobody's looking."

Ayla's fingers tightened around his.