Chapter 12 · He can take his time finding out

"He can take his time finding out."

Her mouth tightened. For once, she had no fast answer.

The door bent again. A seam of white light appeared at the edge.

Kael leaned closer. "Choose. Give me access, or let them take you."

"You are forcing me."

"Yes."

"You sound proud of that."

"I'm trying to keep you alive."

"For your file."

"For both of us."

The words came out before he could stop them.

Nyx stared at him. Her fingers remained twisted in his collar. The speaker at her throat clicked once, like a swallowed breath.

"Say it again," she whispered.

Kael's jaw locked. "Authorize the file."

"No. The other part."

The door exploded inward.

Kael spun, dragging Nyx down as a shock round flashed over them. He fired beneath the crates. A soldier dropped with a grunt. Another pushed through the smoke.

Nyx's palm pressed to Kael's chest.

"Now," she said.

"Now what?"

"Take the file."

"You said no."

"I changed my mind. Don't make me regret it."

Her fingers tightened against his heartbeat. Blue light raced from her hand into his skin. Pain snapped through his ribs.