Breaking Through Read Online Free PDF

overboard.
    But me? All I care about is finding a computer so I can search the system and find out what happened to my brother. If that means I have to play the good soldier to gain Barton’s approval, so be it. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’m not sure where I stand in his pecking order, but I know he’s read my file. That, coupled with me storming out on day one, I probably already have two strikes against me.
    “Zero,” Kray murmurs so only I can hear him. “You have zero strikes. You’re a project for him.”
    “A project?” I repeat, equally low. “What does that mean?”
    “He wants to figure you out. Why your powers seem to be rebelling against you, and he wants to fix it.”
    I glance down the line where our captain holds out a hand to Britta. “He thinks he can fix me?” I ask.
    “Dude won’t stop thinking. But yeah. You—your powers—fascinate him.”
    “So…my powers fascinate him? Or I fascinate him?”
    “There’s a difference?”
    “Big difference.”
    “Agree to disagree. Point is, you are on his mind and he is on yours, hence all the ogling.”
    I groan. “Not ogling.”
    “Ogle queen.”
    Barton walks in our direction after confiscating Britta’s phone. “Is there something you want to share, Shields?” he asks, stopping in front of Kray.
    Kray peers back. “Just telling Nautia here how badly you want to succeed at this mission since it’s the first one you’ve headed up by yourself. That’s a lot of pressure, Cap. You might want to reconsider your approach, as fear isn’t your style.”
    Holy. Shit.
    Shut up, Kray. Shut. Up, I shout inside my head.
    I hold my breath. Barton’s pupils dilate as he moves into Kray’s personal space. The captain has at least three inches on him, but Kray doesn’t budge.
    “It would do you well, Officer , to keep your ‘hands’ to yourself,” he says, his tone low. “This mission goes on your permanent record.”
    “And let me guess: you’re the one who will be writing up the report?”
    Barton turns away, ignoring Kray’s comment. “You’ll get settled into your cabins today, learn your schedules, and report to Weapons Training Center One at five thirty a.m., sharp.”
    “Five thirty?” Britta exclaims. Kray’s insubordination seems to have caught on, fueling Britta’s disdain over her cell. “You’re crazy!”
    “And you agreed to the terms, Miss Lighter,” Barton answers.
    Britta smirks like an evil supervillain out to get revenge from the man who stole her most prized possession. “I’m a minor. Legally, that little contract I signed is obsolete. So, I’ll—”
    “You are government property, Officer. You don’t have rights.” Barton spins around to face us all. “Listen up! This isn’t a game. This is national security. Life and death. Now get your asses to your cabins and get some rest. Tomorrow, you’re mine.”

    I’m relieved when I enter my assigned bunk alone. There’s one twin-sized bed in the corner, a dresser, a desk, and a miniscule private bathroom. Scanty digs, but I didn’t expect much. I’m actually impressed to have the place to myself.
    I toss my one bag onto the dresser and start making my bed with what I assume are standard military sheets. They’re itchy and stiff, and already I’m wondering if I’ll even be able to sleep on them. Then again, not sleeping means no nightmares, so this might work for me—for a while.
    I’ve moved on to unpacking my toiletries when someone knocks on my door. Immediately, I know it’s not Kray, who would have barged right in.
    Whoever it is knocks again.
    My heart skips a beat, hoping it might be Barton. It’s stupid and I’m nuts for even thinking it, but what if he can fix me? I set my shower supplies on the desk and reach for the handle.
    “Howdy, neighbor,” Haskal says, smiling like a tricked-out cartoon version of himself. “I’d like to borrow a cup of sugar.” He says sugar with a wink, and his gaze dips down to my chest.
    I groan