Chapter 17 · He didn’t look away. “At least you’re honest

He didn’t look away.

“At least you’re honest about being awful,” I said.

“I’m honest about the parts that keep you alive.”

A security door opened at the end of the corridor. Two Bureau agents appeared, both pretending not to stare.

Kane stepped away from me and fixed his jacket.

“See?” he said. “Perfect mask.”

I rubbed my wrist. “It’s slipping.”

“Not yet.”

One of the agents approached. “Director Vivian wants a word with both of you.”

Kane’s smile came back. “Tell her I’m busy.”

“She said it was urgent.”

“Everything is urgent when Vivian wants control.”

The agent’s hand moved toward his weapon.

Kane’s entire posture changed. The warmth vanished. His shoulders settled, his gaze went flat, and the air around him seemed to tighten.

“Touch that weapon,” he said, “and you’ll explain to Director Vivian why you attacked her favorite hero in front of witnesses.”

The agent froze.

I glanced at Kane. “Favorite hero?”

“Don’t sound jealous.”

“I sound nauseated.”

“Good. You’re convincing.”

He took my hand before I could pull away. His fingers threaded through mine, hiding the gesture from the agents behind his coat.

The contract warmed.

“You’re coming with me,” he said.

“Where?”

“Somewhere private.”