Page 183 of BounBound By Scars

He adjusted his tie—more for show than comfort—and crouched slightly, hands on his knees like we were just having a casual chat.

“Where is it?” he asked, a menacing tilt to his head. “The fusion. Crazon-Sentrix. I know you didn’t destroy it.”

I smiled through the pain. “You’re right. I didn’t.”

His eyes lit up. “Then tell me.”

I said nothing.

His expression didn’t even change before the punch landed.

Straight into my ribs.

I gasped—my body folding as fire tore through my side.

Fuck.

They were probably already broken.

The crash had cracked them. This just shattered whatever was left.

I leaned forward, struggling to breathe, but kept my face blank.

Behind him, the four guards didn’t move. Not a twitch. Just shadows with guns.

Ling paced now, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief this time, that looked too expensive for someone who sweat like a faucet.

He looked nervous. No—desperate.

That made me smirk.

He didn’t like that.

“Where is your team?” he hissed. “Squad Six—where are they hiding?”

I lifted my head, blood in my teeth.

Then shook it.

That earned me a punch to the face. Fast. Hard. My head snapped to the side.

Pain bloomed behind my eyes, but I laughed—low and broken.

I turned back to him and spat a mouthful of blood straight onto his face.

It hit his cheek and dripped down his jaw.

He didn’t flinch.

Didn’t even blink.

Just pulled out his handkerchief again and wiped the blood off with quiet disdain.

“You think you are winning?” he said. “You think this is over?”

I didn’t answer. Mostly because I was busy trying not to pass out.

He asked more questions—rapid-fire now. Where the device was. Who else had access. How far I’d spread the code.

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