Chapter 35 · How old?

"How old?"

"Mara—"

"How old?"

"Three years."

Elias laughed once. There was no humor in it. "There. Now you know."

Mara jerked against Rhys's hold. "You were hunting me before we met?"

"I never found you."

"You found me when I stole the key."

"I found the thief who took it. I didn't know it was you."

"And now?"

Rhys lowered his head until his mouth was beside her ear. "Now I know exactly who you are."

Her skin prickled. She hated that her body noticed the warmth of his voice before her brain caught the threat in it.

"Let me go," she said.

"No."

"Rhys."

"You move, he shoots. He moves, I shoot. You want to make this a family argument, fine. But you're staying behind me."

"You don't get to decide where I stand."

"I do when my body is the only thing between you and a bullet."

Elias's voice cracked. "Mara, please. Come with me."

She stared at him. "Say what they promised you."

"They'll free Talia."

"Say the rest."

His silence stretched.

"Say it, Elias."

"They'll clear my debt."

Her fingers went cold. "Your debt?"

"I borrowed money for your treatment.