17#17

17

"If you're not willing to continue, I suggest you end it promptly so we can sign a reconciliation agreement."

The persistent wail of sirens echoed from behind, seeming to agitate Cornelius further.

He extracted a small blade from his pocket and pressed it against my throat.

"Those with nothing to lose fear nothing. I've got nothing left now."

"Does this even matter to you anymore?"

As the knife touched my skin, I nearly felt blood trickle out.

"Where's your precious Killian now? Why isn't he here to rescue you?"

"Jessica, it seems you backed the wrong horse, didn't you?"

"He's no good. He flees at the first sign of trouble..."

Before he could complete his sentence, a card whizzed through the air, slicing his wrist.

The knife clattered to the ground.

In the next instant, he was forcefully kicked from behind.

A powerful grip lifted me skyward, and as I opened my eyes, I saw Killian's chiseled jawline.

"Killian..."