Chapter 44 · Vance Sealed It

"Vance sealed it," Carson said.

He slammed his uninjured hand against the release panel. The lock flashed yellow.

Then red.

"Break it."

"With what? My charm?"

"You burned your badge to save me. Burn the door too."

His eyes cut to mine. "You want me to destroy the last piece of authority I have?"

"I thought you liked dramatic sacrifices."

For one sharp second, Carson just stared at me.

Then he pressed his injured palm to the panel.

The fused badge buried in his skin lit up.

Carson sucked air through his teeth. Burned leather and blood filled the narrow space between us.

"Carson, stop."

"You told me to break it."

"Not like that."

"This is the only way."

"You don't get to keep hurting yourself because it makes me feel guilty."

His jaw locked. "You think this is about guilt?"

"What else is it about? You need me obedient. You need the contract intact. You need everyone watching to believe you're still in control."

"I need you breathing.