Chapter 68 · Say It Clearly

“Say it clearly.”

I stepped in until Cassian’s chest touched mine. The door pressed cold against my back. His breath warmed my face, but he didn’t move any closer.

“I choose the mark,” I said. “I choose you to take me below. And I choose to know what you’ve been hiding from me.”

His throat worked.

“And if I tell you to stop?”

“You stop.”

“If I tell you it’s too much?”

“You stop.”

“If I lose control?”

I tightened my grip around his wrist. “Then I’ll make you listen.”

Raw pain crossed his face.

“Damn you,” he whispered.

“Already done.”

His free hand rose to my cheek. His palm was hot against my skin. His thumb brushed the corner of my mouth, and every nerve in me snapped awake.

“This will hurt,” he said.

“I know.”

“Not just physically.”

“I know.”

“You’ll see why I rejected you.”

“Good.”

“You might hate me more.”

“I already hate you plenty.”

His forehead lowered until it touched mine.

“Liar.”

The word came out rough, almost broken.

I should’ve shoved him away.

Instead, I held still while his breath mixed with mine.