Chapter 60 · The Recording Crystal

"Do you understand?" Carson hooked two fingers under my chin and forced my face toward his.

His touch was rough. His palm burned against my skin. Blood streaked his knuckles, and when his thumb dragged across my lower lip, iron coated my tongue.

I swallowed. "You're bleeding on me."

"Answer me."

"I understand you're a controlling bastard."

His jaw tightened. "That wasn't the question."

"It's the answer you're getting."

His eyes dropped to my mouth.

Only for half a second. Long enough for me to feel it.

Then he let go.

"Stay behind me."

"You can barely stand."

"Then don't make me carry you too."

He pushed himself upright before I could argue.

Another gunshot cracked through the street.

Stone exploded beside my head.

Carson caught my hand. "Move."

We ran.

The west gate slammed shut behind us just as three more rounds punched into the stone. Carson stumbled, caught himself against the wall, and cursed under his breath.

I grabbed his coat. "Stop."

"No."

"Your wound is burning through the lining."

"My house is two blocks away.