Chapter 27 · Soul Raise

"Put your hand back on the table, Cole, or I take the win and your left eye." Silas Quinn pressed the black blade against Cole Mercer's knuckles.

Cole's fingers stayed flat on the green felt. The card in front of him smoked at the edges. His pulse kicked hard enough to shake the chips.

"You always threaten body parts when you're losing?" Cole asked.

Silas smiled. "I'm not losing. You're bleeding out one memory at a time."

Across the table, Eve Vane's chair scraped back. Her hand went under her coat.

Silas didn't even look at her. "Touch the gun, Broker, and your contract tightens around his throat."

Eve froze.

Cole saw it in the small things first. Her thumb stopped moving. Her jaw locked. The pale line of an old contract mark flashed beneath her cuff, then vanished under the leather.

"Take your knife off him," she said.

"Make me."

"Gladly."

She moved fast. Her chair kicked into the table, sending chips scattering. At the same time, she drew a short pistol and aimed it at Silas's chest.

Silas flicked one finger.

The room slammed sideways.

Cole's shoulder hit the wall.