Page 276 of Fatality

My Demons - Starset

The building looms over us, a monument carved from glass and black steel. Its sweeping geometric façade is lined with towering columns of illuminated smart glass, while a vast staircase leads to monumental bronze doors engraved with the city's crest.

“Don't get lost,” I tell Evren as I step out of the car.

“I can’t. I'll just have to follow your pretty ass around.” He climbs out and falls into step beside me.

His hand finds the small of my back.

The gesture is simple, but it makes my heart pound so hard I'm sure he can hear it.

We walk toward the entrance, and he leans close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

“There are hidden security systems, surveillance drones, and plainclothes agents. Every guest is being watched as carefully as they're being welcomed,” he says calmly.

“How do you know?” I ask, tilting my head as we keep walking.

He winks before lowering his voice to a whisper.

“Ren's in my ear. He's guiding me and making sure we can plant the device without being seen.”

I nod.

Good.

He's reckless, but he knows how this kind of operation works.

I don't. The idea was mine, but the execution?

That's all him.

Me? I'd usually just kick the door in and set enough things on fire until people give me what I want.

Suddenly, a swarm of paparazzi drones surrounds us as we approach the doors.

A barrage of flashes erupts, the light blinds me for a few seconds.

My eyes have always been sensitive to that kind of thing.

I feel Evren tense, like he's seconds away from exploding.

I grab his hand, lace our fingers together, and pull him inside.

We step into an elevator, and I press the button for the top floor.

“Ren,” Evren says. “Hack the drones and delete those pictures or change my face. I don't want to be recognized in this Upper Layers bullshit.”

A moment passes before he gives a small nod and relaxes slightly.

Then he turns to face me fully.

“What?” I ask, trying to sound cold.

“I want to stop this elevator,” he says quietly, “and fuck you right here.”

“No,” I say coldly. “I'm on my period.”

He advances on me, backing me up until my spine meets the mirrored wall.