Lifeblood (Everlife #2)(80)
“Maybe not at first. But fight with them instead of against them, and they’ll grow to love you.”
“To fight with them, I’d have to go to court. Who would be my Barrister, lass?” Another bitter laugh. “You?”
“Yes!” I shout. “Yes! It would be my honor and privilege. I love you.”
“No. I would never allow you to—”
The entire building shakes, the foundation rattling at our feet. Dust plumes the air as I stagger backward, actually falling out of my Shell. Killian races over, abandoning his Shell to catch me before I hit the ground. The shaking continues, and we both fall. I release the swords and cling to him.
He twists in midair, absorbing the impact. “Sorry, I’m sorry,” he mutters when he catches his breath, and I’m not sure why he’s apologizing.
“No, I’m sorry.” The Buckler has been disabled, and it’s time for us to part. I’m not ready. I’m not even close to ready. I don’t want to leave him like this. And zero! I haven’t spoken to Javier. I can’t leave without completing my mission.
Killian must not want to part with me, either. He rolls me over, pinning me in place. Where we touch, I grow chilled. He hisses, and I know he’s being burned. Even still, awareness sizzles inside me. He’s so beautiful. I ghost my fingers over his cheekbone. I love the line of his jaw, adore the sweep of his brows, marvel at the long length of his lashes, and take comfort in the stubborn jut of his chin.
“Everything I do, I do for ye,” he repeats, his accent back. It returns every time his emotions overtake him. “I would do anything—except put ye in danger.”
My chest aches. My brands tingle. Every step toward a dream is a step away from a regret. “Do you want out of Myriad?” Let me rephrase. “Do you want to join me in Troika?”
“Ye would be—”
“Don’t think about consequences, only desire. Do you want to join me?”
Those blue-gold eyes lower and snag on my lips. He says one word, only one, but it seals his fate. “Yes.”
I want to shout with joy. One word, but I’m forever changed.
“But,” he says, and I shake my head.
“No buts.” I press my lips into his, despite the pain. The kiss, like the one in my dreams, is over far too quickly. “If I must, I’ll force your hand. And you should want me to do so, eh? After all, as long as you’re in Myriad, my life is in danger.”
His eyes narrow to tiny slits. “Are ye manipulating me, lass?”
“I did learn from the master.”
The tender moment ends with a bang, the front door swinging open, countless MLs rushing inside. They aren’t alone. Countless TLs rush in behind them.
The two armies clash together. Grunts, groans and clangs sound. Spears and arrows fly.
Killian and I roll apart, and he moves to block me from my Shell.
“Get out of here,” he commands.
I end up next to the unconscious Javier...and an idea strikes. “You’re right. It’s time for me to go. Just know that everything I do, I do for you.”
As I talk, I type into my data pad, sending Kayla an urgent message. Help! Can you transport my Shell next to me? Also, I need a location switch with a human in tow. Like, now!
Javier is infected with Penumbra, yes, and the Light will hurt him, but he’s sleeping so—fingers crossed—he’ll never know.
My Shell appears at my side in a blaze of Light. Kayla did it! With a quick spin, I slip inside and anchor. Then I reach out, clasping Javier’s hand.
“Ten!” Killian shouts, realizing what I’m planning. “Don’t! They’ll never let ye—”
His voice cuts off as a blaze of Light slams into me. The gym disappears, and a new location takes shape around me.
MYRIAD
* * *
From: Z_C_4/23.43.2
To: K_F_5/23.53.6
Subject: You have some explaining to do Reports have come in, and my soldiers tell me you tried to stop Miss Lockwood from taking Mr. Diez from the gym. Why is that, Mr. Flynn? For our plan to work, the two need to be together.
Might Equals Right!
Sir Zhi Chen
MYRIAD
* * *
From: K_F_5/23.53.6
To: Z_C_4/23.43.2
Subject: I’m really tired of having to explain myself Dude. Chill. Miss Lockwood is a smart girl. She suspects we’re planning to use the infected humans against her. What’s wrong with making it look like I objected?
Anyway.
I know you told me to take the weekend off and enjoy a little sexy time with Sloan. For a job well done today I’d rather be rewarded with another assignment. What would you like me to do?
Might Equals Right!
ML, Killian Flynn
MYRIAD
* * *
From: Z_C_4/23.43.2
To: K_F_5/23.53.6
Subject: I still have doubts There’s a girl in Paris. A distant relative of Miss Lockwood. She’s Unsigned. You want to prove your loyalty beyond any doubt? Sign her.
Afterward, return to Myriad so we can chat about your abduction of Victor Prince.
Might Equals Right!
Sir Zhi Chen