Chapter 43 · You Nearly Cracked Your Head Open

He didn't let go.

"Lucas."

"You nearly cracked your head open."

"And you nearly got your hand burned off. We're both having a terrible night. Let go."

His eyes dropped to my mouth.

The corridor pressed in around us. His breath brushed my cheek, hot and uneven. Every hard inch of him pinned me against the wall without quite touching me. He was holding himself back.

That made it worse.

"If you lie to me again," I whispered, "I'll shoot you before you finish blinking."

"You already promised that."

"I'm promising it better this time."

His thumb tightened against my wrist. "Then don't ask me to tell you something you won't survive hearing."

"Open the door."

His eyes lifted to mine. "You don't want the truth."

"I want my truth. Not your family's version. Not another file with my name crossed out."

"You may not like what you find."

"I haven't liked a damn thing you've done so far."

"You liked me catching you."

My breath snagged.

His mouth curved. Barely. Just enough to make my pulse kick.

"Don't," I warned.

"You didn't deny it."

"Touch me again and I'll make you regret having fingers."

"There she is.