Chapter 61 · Don't come closer

He ripped the burning coat free and flung it aside.

"Don't come closer."

"You don't command me."

"I do when you're about to die because you refuse to follow one order."

"You married me for my blood. You don't get orders anymore."

His eyes sharpened through the flames. "That contract is the only reason you're still standing."

"Then I'll rewrite it."

Oscar's laugh died.

The red lines around the core twisted toward me. Heat wrapped around my wrist, searching for the mark beneath my skin. Kane saw it happen, and the color drained from his face.

"Evelyn, don't."

"You said there wasn't another way."

"I said you don't know if there is one. That's different."

"Then stop me."

He dragged himself one step closer to the fire. Blood dripped from his palm, sizzling where it hit the floor.

"I can't reach you."

"Try harder."

"If you touch the clause, it'll bind to you."

"Good."

"It'll make you the surviving spouse."

"Then you'll survive me."

His stare locked on mine. The flames reflected in his eyes, but the fear there wasn't for himself.

It was for me.

"You don't understand what you're saying," he rasped.

"I understand perfectly.