Chapter 16 · Kane’s expression didn’t change. Neither did mine. That

Kane’s expression didn’t change.

Neither did mine.

That was the game. He held the contract. I held the truth. Whoever blinked first lost control of the room.

The host hurried onto the stage, laughing too loudly. “What a pair! We’ve heard rumors that the two of you have a unique working relationship.”

“Rumors are generous,” I said.

Kane looked down at me. “Selah and I have developed a very close partnership.”

I elbowed him in the side.

His armor absorbed most of it. His hand tightened at my waist anyway.

“Close?” I asked. “You threatened to break my fingers this morning.”

“Only because you tried to steal my access card.”

“You left it unattended.”

“You were handcuffed.”

“You should’ve used better cuffs.”

The audience loved it. They laughed and leaned forward. The host’s eyes lit up as if we’d handed him a bonus segment.

“Oh, this is fantastic,” he said. “The famous Golden Boy and the Bureau’s most dangerous former Enforcer. Conflict, chemistry, and a shared mission.”

“Don’t call it chemistry,” I snapped.

Kane leaned close enough that his breath warmed my cheek. “You’re making this very difficult.”

“That’s the point.”

“Then I’ll simplify it.