Page 70 of Silver Elite

“Do it,” he repeats, baring his teeth in a dark smile. “I could use the excitement.”

“You didn’t get enough of it last night? Because those were a lot of weapons I saw you unsheathing just now.” I slant my head in challenge.

Rather than shed light on that, he says, “Why did you attack Farren?”

My voice tightens. “Because she insinuated my uncle sexually assaulted me when I was a child. Among other things.”

His eyebrows flick up. “You need to develop a tougher skin.”

“Are we done here, or are you going to cut me for attacking your favorite recruit? Because I’m happy to accept that punishment.”

“You’ve reconsidered the stockade, then?”

I clench my teeth.

“I’ll take that as a no.” Cross sidesteps me, his strides lazy but measured as he begins to circle me. “In regard to your punishment…”

He pauses. Pensive. But something else glints in his eyes. Something very unsettling.

“A slap on the wrist?” I suggest.

“You attacked one of your fellows. That can’t go unpunished. Neither can your insubordination. You seem to forget the hierarchy of power in this room, Dove. You’re not in charge. I am. Speak to me accordingly.”

“Or…” I smile at him. “You can fuck right off.”

He ignores that. “Insubordination has consequences. But I’ll tell you what—I’ll give you a chance to avoid punishment.”

He opens his office door, then walks to his desk and leans against it, nodding toward the gaping doorway.

“Get to the door. If you can get through me, you’re free to go. If not, every member of Black Cell is running laps again tonight from dusk till dawn.”

My gaze slides from him to the door. We’re equal distance from it. If I catch him off guard and break into a run…

He pushes off the desk and takes a few steps forward, closing the distance between us. “Let’s see how uncoordinated and borderline useless you really are—”

I lunge at him, aiming a punch at his midsection. He deflects it effortlessly, his hand catching my wrist and twisting it behind my back. I wince but pivot my body, using the momentum to break free.

Cross smirks, but he’s clearly impressed by my maneuver. “Nice try.”

I spin around and aim a kick at his side, then hurtle toward the doorway again. But he catches my ankle and pulls me off-balance,sending me sprawling to the concrete floor. Before I can recover, he’s on top of me, pinning me down with his weight. His face is inches away, eyes gleaming.

“You’re going to have to do better than that, Dove.”

I grit my teeth and buck my hips, trying to throw him off, but he holds firm, his grip like iron. I can feel every inch of his body against mine, and it…is…maddening. I twist, managing to free one arm, and swing at his jaw. He catches my fist, his lips curling into a smile.

“The door is over there. And you’re down here. Doesn’t seem like you’re making much progress.”

I glare at him. My breath escapes in short, ragged gasps. With a deep inhalation, I gather my strength, using my free hand to push against his chest. He’s solid muscle, and for a moment, I’m distracted by the feel of him. He takes advantage of my hesitation, flipping me onto my stomach and locking my wrists behind my back.

“Looks like you’re not reaching that door.” His voice is a low rumble.

I thrash beneath him, my frustration mounting. “This isn’t fair. You’re like a hundred pounds heavier than I am.”

He leans closer, his lips brushing my ear. “Life isn’t fair, Darlington,” he says coldly. “And neither am I.”

Anger sizzles through me. With a sudden burst of energy, I wrench my body to the side, succeeding in releasing one leg and kicking him hard in the abdomen. He grunts, loosening his grip just enough for me to slip out from under him. I scramble to my feet, panting.

“Nice move,” he remarks, rubbing his side.

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