Chapter 34 · Blood Ties, Cold Steel

"Don't move, Mara. One twitch and I put you down." Rhys's gun pressed against her temple before the elevator doors finished opening.

Mara froze with one hand still hooked around his wrist. His other arm locked around her waist, keeping her pinned against his chest. Heat soaked through her jacket. His breath brushed the shell of her ear.

Then she saw who stood inside the elevator.

Her brother.

Elias held a black corporate pistol in both hands. The barrel pointed straight at her face.

"Elias?"

His jaw tightened. "Step away from Calder."

"He's holding me at gunpoint."

"I said step away."

Rhys's grip shifted. Not enough to hurt. Enough to remind her that he could drag her backward, use her as a shield, or pull the trigger against her temple before Elias got a clean shot.

"Nice reunion," Rhys murmured. "Your brother looks thrilled to see you."

"Shut up."

"You first. Tell him what you told me."

Mara dug her fingers into his wrist. The contract mark between them burned under her skin, hot and tight. "If you wanted me dead, you would've done it before the elevator opened."

"Don't flatter yourself."

"Then stop breathing down my neck.