But the height difference made it laughable. He simply lifted his arm, holding the device far out of reach while I crashed against his chest like a wave breaking on rock.
Denys looked down at me, his eyes traveling to my collar—to the skin exposed where my blouse had shifted.
Heat flooded my face. I shoved at him hard.
Behind us, Maureen's shriek pierced the air. "Denys! My chest—it's so tight—I can't breathe—"
The slightest hint of distress from her, and he was already moving. I seized the moment to push free.
"Denys Simmons." My voice shook with fury. "If you give that drug to Maureen, you will regret it."
I knew a few desperate words wouldn't change his mind.
But if I said nothing, how could I live with myself?
He didn't even acknowledge me. He was already at Maureen's side, scooping her into his arms. As he raced toward the stairs, his shoulder slammed into me.
I hit the floor hard.
My head cracked against the corner of a nearby table. Pain bloomed first, then came the warm trickle of blood sliding down my forehead.