Chapter 9 · The Resonance Price

"Still reading my private files, Selah? That’s a dangerous habit."

Kane’s voice was a low vibration against my ear, his chest pressed hard into my back. His arm was a steel bar across my throat, not choking me yet, but letting me know exactly how easy it would be. The tablet screen was still glowing in my hand, the words *Recycle and Disposal Plan* searing into my retinas.

I didn't freeze. I didn't cry. I slammed my elbow back into his ribs with everything I had.

He didn't even grunt. He just tightened his grip, spinning me around and pinning my wrists against the cold metal of the desk in one fluid, violent motion. The tablet clattered to the floor. I was breathless, staring up into eyes that didn't look like a 'Golden Boy's' anymore. They looked like a predator's.

"You son of a bitch," I spat, struggling against his hold. "'Save me,' you said. 'A second chance,' you said. You’re just waiting for the right moment to put a bullet in my head once I've given you the Bureau's codes."

Kane leaned in, his face inches from mine. I could smell his expensive cologne and something sharper—