Chapter 6 · He caught her hand and dragged it toward

He caught her hand and dragged it toward his chest.

Ayla's palm stopped against his shirt.

Heat pushed through the fabric. His heart slammed against her hand, too fast and too hard. The forbidden core pulsed beneath it, cold at the center and burning around the edges.

Kade's face was close again.

"Go on," he said. "Take the debt."

His voice had dropped to a rasp.

Ayla could feel his breath at her mouth. His grip held her wrist against him, but he didn't force her fingers farther. He waited.

That was worse.

"Move your hand," she whispered.

"You said you wanted the lock gone."

"I want you alive long enough to tell me who paid for your memories."

Something flickered across his face. Not fear this time. Recognition.

Ayla felt it through the bond.

A memory had surfaced. A white room. A child's voice. Her own name, maybe.

Then the core surged.

Kade folded over her hand.

Ayla swore and pressed her palm flat against his chest.

Pain punched through her.

It wasn't like being cut. It was like swallowing a live wire. Her knees nearly gave out.