Chapter 23 · Cracks in the Golden Boy

"Get your hand off my throat." Kane's fingers tightened instead.

My back hit the steel door hard enough to rattle the lock. His body blocked the only exit, one forearm braced beside my head, the other hand wrapped around my wrist. The bond between us pulsed hot under my skin.

"You lied to me," he said.

"That's rich coming from the Bureau's favorite liar."

His eyes dropped to my mouth for half a second. Then they snapped back up.

"Tell me what you took."

"A headache. Your charming personality. Maybe a cracked rib if you keep shoving me around."

"Selah."

He said my name like a warning. Low. Flat. Too controlled.

I smiled at him because I knew exactly what that did to his temper. "What? Scared I found something ugly?"

The muscle in his jaw jumped.

There it was.

Kane could hide a lie from cameras, agents, and half the city. He couldn't hide a pulse from me anymore. Not since the contract had tied our life force together. His heartbeat moved through my wrist beneath his palm, fast enough to betray him.

"You're bleeding," I said.

"Not from you."

"Give me time.