Chapter 26 · We have six minutes before the patrol changes at the east lift

He did.

She stepped away first, but the space between them stayed charged. Kael's palm still remembered her pulse. That was annoying. Worse, she knew it.

Sloane slid the pistol back into its holster. "We have six minutes before the patrol changes at the east lift."

"You timed the patrol?"

"I timed everything."

"Except me."

"You were a mistake."

"Your mistake is carrying the book."

"Your mistake is thinking I won't leave you here."

Kael pulled the oilcloth packet from his coat but kept it closed. "If you leave me, the book leaves with me."

Sloane's attention fixed on the packet.

He had her now. Not completely. But enough.

She reached for it.

Kael caught her hand before her fingers touched the cloth.

The pact flared between them. A sharp pulse ran through both their arms. Sloane's breath hitched. Kael felt the same shock in his chest, hard and quick.

Her hand remained under his.

"You keep doing that," she said softly.

"You keep reaching for things that aren't yours."

"Everything in this city belongs to someone powerful."

"Then steal better."

A crooked smile touched her mouth.