Chapter 19 · Lethal Compromise

"Stop pretending you don't want this, Nova. It's boring."

Kael's voice was a low vibration against my ear, his hand locking around my wrist and pinning it to the cold metal of the desk. I didn't flinch. I leaned back, pressing my shoulder blades into his chest, and let out a sharp, mocking laugh.

"Want what?" I tilted my head, glancing at him through my lashes. "The lecture on morality? Or the part where you pretend you're not enjoying having a villain in your bed?"

He didn't move. His grip tightened just enough to remind me who held the keys to this room—and my life. The air between us was thick, smelling of ozone and that clean, sterile scent that always clung to him. It was infuriating. He looked like a saint, but his eyes were dark, hungry, and completely devoid of mercy.

"You're playing a dangerous game," he whispered, his breath hot against my skin. "You think a little flirting is going to make me forget that you're a fugitive? That you're a liability?"

"I think you're terrified of how much you like it," I countered. I shifted my weight, my hip brushing against his thigh.