The vaguely unpleasant chafing turned into a brief caress on the side of Aiden’s face.
“Sorry I had to hit you so hard before,” Tanner murmured. “I didn’t mean to make your head bleed. But, like I was saying—when I saw you, I knew. You’re beautiful and smart, and your body’s strong. Exactly right for this. So many people are going to die because of you, Aiden.”
So many people. Aiden forced his vocal chords to work. “Don’t…” he breathed, “Tan…”
“I’m sorry, Aiden,” Tanner said. He looked sad. “I mean, it won’t just be you, right? I’m sacrificing myself for this, too. It’s not like Aeshma plays favorites.” He shrugged, like that didn’t bother him. “Some things are worth it.”
He reached for Aiden’s face, and Aiden jerked his head to the side, but Tanner clamped one of his big hands over Ai
