Martin's eyes flashed, a flicker of something dangerous crossing his face. "You think I don't know?" His voice was sharp, cutting. "You think I haven't spent my entire life being used? Being manipulated? Being a tool for other people's agendas?"
"Then why are you acting like this is no big deal?" Lana shouted, her voice raw. "Why are you standing there all calm and controlled when my whole world is falling apart?"
"Because someone has to stay calm!" Martin stepped closer, his voice rising to match hers. "Because if I fall apart too, then we're both screwed! Do you understand that? Do you understand what we're doing here?"
"Don't you dare lecture me! You have no right—"
"I have every right!" He was in her space now, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body, coul
