Aiden’s POV

The word "fling" hit me like a physical blow. Like a sharp, sudden pain that was far more effective than any of the laser cuts or grenade shrapnel I’d endured in the last twenty-four hours.

It sliced through the entire cold-blooded narrative I’d been repeating to myself.

I was supposed to consider it the same way.

A necessary evil. A momentary lapse. A negligible, meaningless transaction to throw her off the scent.

But for some incomprehensible reason, I absolutely hated her saying it.

My control fractured entirely.

The internal voice demanding strategic retreat was drowned out by a wave of possessive fury.

I rashly grabbed her, hauling her...