Chapter 26 · You always have names

She pressed the blade closer. "You always have names."

"Not the name you want."

"Then give me the one you have."

Calder's gaze held hers. He was close enough for her to feel his breath touch her cheek. One of his hands hovered near her waist, not touching, ready to catch her if the bond struck again.

She noticed.

He noticed her noticing.

Neither of them looked away.

"You should move the knife," he said.

"Why?"

"Your hand is shaking."

"My hand is steady."

"Your blade isn't."

"Maybe I want you nervous."

"You already have me nervous."

The words landed between them.

Mara's grip tightened. "That sounded almost honest."

"Don't get used to it."

"Too late."

For one dangerous beat, neither moved. The heat of his body pressed through his coat. Her knuckles brushed the fabric at his chest. His pulse beat fast beneath the blade, but his expression stayed calm.

Then the bond jerked.

Mara's arm twisted toward the door. Calder's hand closed over hers, stopping the motion before the knife cut him.

"Let go," she snapped.

"If I do, you stab me."

"That's the idea."

"You need me alive."

"For the next ten minutes. After that, I'm flexible."