Chapter 12 · He Said, Quieter Now

"Don't." Dorian slammed into me and drove my back against the console.

His chest crushed mine. His blade was trapped between us, its edge slick with blood that dripped across the controls.

The bond seized my hand.

Heat ripped up my arm. My fingers jerked toward his throat.

Dorian caught my wrist before I could touch him.

"Don't," he said again, quieter now.

"Then stop standing so close."

"You moved closer."

"You dragged me behind the console."

"You followed me."

"Because you gave me an order."

His thumb pressed against the inside of my wrist. Not gentle. Not cruel. Just enough to trap my pulse beneath his skin.

My breath snagged.

His eyes dropped to my mouth.

The room was too hot. His body was hotter. Every breath brushed my cheek, uneven and rough, while his blood slid down his neck in a thin red line.

"Tell me to let go," he said.

The words hit harder than they should've.

His mouth was inches from mine. Close enough that I could feel the warmth of it.