Chapter 10 · Now we’re both having a bad minute

He shoved his knee between hers and used the gate for leverage. Mara’s balance broke. Calder turned, caught her around the waist, and pinned her against the opposite pillar before she could bring the knife up.

His forearm locked across her shoulders. Not crushing. Just enough to keep her still.

His body blocked the tunnel. The heat of him reached through her coat. His breath touched the side of her neck.

"Now we’re both having a bad minute," he murmured.

Mara drove her elbow back.

He caught it.

"That was rude."

"You put your hands on me."

"You put a knife on me first."

"You stole the gate key."

"You broke my nose yesterday."

"It healed."

"It’s still crooked."

"It was crooked before."

His mouth twitched. "You noticed?"

Mara jerked her head back. It caught his cheekbone. Calder swore and loosened his hold.

She spun free, grabbed the front of his coat, and slammed him into the pillar. This time the knife rested against the hollow beneath his jaw.

"I’m going to cut you," she said.

"You’ve said that three times. You’re losing credibility."

"I’m about to improve it."

"Then do it.