Chapter 10 · Ghosts of the Empire

"Stay down, Nova. Unless you want a hole in your head," Kael hissed, his hand slamming against the small of my back, pinning me hard against the damp concrete of the alleyway.

I didn't stay down. I clawed at his wrist, my nails digging into the expensive fabric of his sleeve. "Get off me. I can handle a few scavengers."

"Handle them how?" Kael leaned in, his breath hot against my ear, his voice dropping to a dangerous, mocking low. "With your zero-percent energy core? You're a battery with no charge, sweetheart. Now shut up and let me do the heavy lifting."

I glared at him, my teeth gritting. The smell of ozone and wet trash filled the air, but all I could focus on was the oppressive heat of his body pressing me into the wall. He wasn't just protecting me; he was reminding me exactly who held the leash.

"I don't need your charity," I spat, trying to squirm out of his grip.

"This isn't charity. It's an investment," he replied, his eyes scanning the street. He didn't move his hand. If anything, he pressed closer, his thigh locking mine in place. "And I hate losing my investments."