Chapter 28 · So that's all I am? A walking detector?

"So that's all I am? A walking detector?"

His gaze held mine. "No. You're also the only person in the city who can survive what we're about to find."

The words should have sounded like a compliment. They didn't.

"And if I don't help?"

"The field shuts down your side of the bond. Your heart stops before mine does."

I stared at him. "You really know how to make a girl feel valued."

"You asked what happens if you refuse."

"I asked because I wanted to hear you lie."

"I don't lie about death."

"You lie about everything else."

His fingers shifted at my waist. Not wandering. Not careless. Just holding me where the contract demanded, as if letting go would cost him something too.

Maybe it would.

I pressed my palm to his chest. "If I find out you set this up—"

"You'll kill me. Yes. You mention it a lot."

"I'm trying to keep your hopes realistic."

The corner of his mouth moved. "There she is."

"Don't smile at me."

"Why? Does it make you want to hit me?"

"It makes me want to do worse."

His eyes darkened.

The contract pulsed between us, matching our heartbeats now.