Chapter 36 · Shared Pain, Dirty Secrets

The vent cover slammed shut inches behind Mara’s boots.

“Move,” Rhys breathed.

“I am moving.”

“You’re standing on my hand.”

“Then stop putting your hand under my feet.”

The metal shaft was barely wide enough for one person. Rhys had shoved Mara inside first, then crawled in after her before the security drones filled the service corridor with red targeting beams. Now his chest pressed against her back, one arm locked around her waist to keep her from sliding down the slanted duct.

His breath touched the side of her neck.

Mara tried not to notice. She failed. The heat of him soaked through her jacket, steady and irritatingly solid. His fingers were spread over her ribs, holding her in place while the vent shook beneath them.

Outside, boots stopped.

A voice crackled through the metal. “Calder! Step away from the thief and surrender your weapon!”

Rhys’s grip tightened.

Mara looked over her shoulder.

“Don’t,” he whispered.

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t look back.”

His voice had gone rough. Not afraid. Rhys Calder didn’t do afraid. But the words came through clenched teeth, and that was close enough.

Mara kept her head forward. “You’re holding me like I’m about to jump.