Rage flashes hot through me.
Human trafficking.
Medical exploitation.
Something dark and violent unfurls slowly in my chest.
Beside me, Hannah’s expression goes ice cold.
“I’d rather die.”
The commander tilts his head slightly.
“That can also be arranged.”
Nope.
Absolutely not.
I take one step forward before Russ’s hand catches my vest hard.
Not now.
The warning is clear.
But the commander notices my reaction anyway.
And smiles.
Big mistake.
Because now he knows exactly how much Hannah matters to me.
“Hm,” he murmurs thoughtfully. “Interesting.”
My stomach drops instantly.
He saw it.
Dammit.
Hannah must realize it too because her fingers suddenly brush mine once.
Quick.
Subtle.
Like she’s trying to calm me down before I do something reckless.
Which honestly just makes me want to kill this man faster.
The commander looks between us slowly.
Then nods once to himself.
“Yes,” he says quietly. “That explains a great deal.”
17
