Chapter 32 · The File They Erased

"I didn't."

"You stood there and let them bind me."

"I was buying time."

"You let them put a blade to my throat."

"And I took the shot meant for you, didn't I?"

His voice struck harder than the speaker blaring from the wall.

We stood inches apart. His wounded shoulder brushed mine every time he breathed. Heat leaked through the gap between us—sharp, unwanted, impossible to ignore.

I looked at the blood soaking through his coat.

Then at his face.

"That's your defense?"

"It's a fact."

"No. It's a trick. You get yourself hurt, then act like I owe you trust."

His eyes narrowed. "Do you?"

The question knocked the next word out of my mouth.

Lucas leaned closer. He didn't touch me. He didn't need to. His breath skimmed my lips, warm against the cold room.

"Do you owe me anything, Evelyn?" he asked.

"I owe you nothing."

"Then stop staring at my wound like you want to tear my coat open."

Heat climbed up my neck. "You're delusional."

"Am I?"

"You think blood makes you irresistible?"

"No." His gaze dropped to my mouth. "I think you're scared.