Chapter 80 · One Click to Broadcast

Evelyn reached into the open panel.

Lucas caught her around the waist and hauled her back just as the exposed wires snapped with blue-white sparks.

Her spine slammed into his chest. His palm spread over her stomach. Heat soaked through both their clothes, and for one sharp second, neither of them moved.

Evelyn looked over her shoulder. "If you grab me like that again, at least pretend it's because you want to."

"I do want to."

Her breath caught.

The tower shook. Dust spilled from the ceiling. Somewhere below, the purge sequence started with a deep mechanical thump.

Lucas lowered his mouth beside her ear. "But I want you alive more."

His breath brushed her skin.

"That was a terrible thing to say."

"You heard me."

"Unfortunately."

She twisted in his hold until her chest brushed his. Smoke clung to his coat. Under it, he smelled like hot metal, blood, and the citrus soap she'd stolen from his quarters two nights ago.

His hand stayed on her waist.

Evelyn grabbed his coat. "If you die because of me, I'll hate you."

"You already hate me."

"Not enough to make this easy."

"Good."

His eyes dropped to her mouth.

Damn him.