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Feeling something cold drag over the sting, my breath catches, and my grip on his wrist loosens.

Silver flashes as he pulls back. A bar through the center of his tongue. For a second, I just stare. Heat twists low in my stomach, my thighs tensing before I can stop them.

Light. He has his tongue pierced.

His gaze flicks over my face. “I see that got your attention.”

“No. I just...” My eyes betray me, drifting back to his mouth. “I’ve never seen one before.”

His grin widens. “And?”

“And nothing. Give me my knife.” Tightening my grip on his wrist, I pull, but he barely lets go.

“You really want it back?”

“Yes.”

“Then take it.”

“I’m trying.”

“I noticed.” He looks far too pleased. “You’re much more interesting when you fight me.”

“Stop playing with me.”

“Then stop making it fun.”

Glaring at him, I pull harder. “Give it back.”

Instead, his attention drops to the blood dripping down my neck. Before I can react, he lifts his head and drags his tongue slowly over the cut, the silver bar cold against the sting.

My whole body locks.

His eyes hold mine. “Mm.” He lies back, my knife loose in his fingers, my blood on his lip. “You bleed sweet, pet.”

I should take the knife back. He’s hurt, and I could. Instead, staring at his mouth, I don’t move.

“Now we’re even.” His thumb drags through the blood at my jaw, pressing it into my skin. “You’ve got my temple. I’ve got your throat. And I’m keeping the knife.”

Snorting, I finally free my hand and reach for him again. “So much for the concussion.”

“So, what’s the verdict? Am I still dying?”

“I...” Swallowing takes effort. “No.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

I reach for the strapping around his ribs, keeping my attention on what I’m doing rather than on his mouth.

A low hum vibrates in his throat. “You know what they say about Adjudicators?”

I glance up. “What?”

“That we’re greedy.” His eyes never leave mine. “And I... am very greedy.”

He shouldn’t be able to move much, but his hand comes off the dirt and closes around the back of my neck, and nothing in that grip is broken.

Pulling me down over him, he forces me to catch myself with my hands on either side of his head rather than anywhere near his ribs. My face stops a breath from his, his hand still tight in my hair.