Chapter 25 · The Leverage

"You don't get to make demands with a gun in my face." Selena pressed the barrel harder against Kane's forehead. "Not after what you pulled in my command room."

Kane kept both hands above the table. The metal edge dug into his ribs, but he didn't move. One twitch and the pistol would fire. One lie and Selena would know.

That was the problem with dealing with Commander Selena Vale. She didn't need proof. She only needed a reason.

"I'm not making a demand," Kane said. "I'm selling you a warning."

"Cute."

"You have six minutes before Victor seals the east command wing. Four after that, his people start removing officers who won't swear to him."

Her eyes narrowed. "You said the same thing yesterday."

"Yesterday, you still had a choice."

The pistol clicked.

Kane's jaw tightened. "And now?"

"Now I have less patience."

"You never had patience. You had a uniform and a room full of people too scared to tell you no."

Selena leaned over the table. Her dark hair slipped across one cheek. She didn't bother moving it. The muzzle stayed fixed against his skin, warm from her hand.

"Keep talking," she said.