Chapter 10 · I know you

"I know you."

His answer hit harder than the contract pulse.

I shoved his shirt open. The fabric stuck to his skin. His chest jumped beneath my fingertips with every rough breath.

"If this is a trick—"

"It isn't."

"If you die—"

"I won't."

"Stop telling me what won't happen."

"Then stop asking questions you don't want answered."

I pressed my palm to his ribs.

He went still.

His heartbeat thudded beneath my hand, fast and uneven. His other arm rose and braced against the wall beside my head.

His body boxed me in without quite touching me.

"Mara."

"What?"

"The needle is close."

"I know."

"No, you don't."

"Adrian, I swear to God—"

"It's going to hurt."

"You think I care?"

"I think you care too much. That's the problem."

I looked up at him. "Say that again."

His face was inches from mine.

"You heard me."

"No. I want you to say it while you can still pretend you don't mean it."

His breath brushed my lips.

For one stupid second, neither of us moved.

Then the stabilizer exploded with white light.

Adrian cried out.