Page 57 of Echoes of Danger

“Damn it, Del,” he growls. “Don’t argue with me now. Run!”

But before either of us can move, the sound of a gun being cocked freezes us in place.

“Well, isn’t this touching,” a new voice says, smooth and mocking. A man steps out of the shadows, a gun trained on Steel.

Steel shifts slightly, his body tense as he positions himself between me and the barrel of the gun. “You don’t want to do this,” he says, his voice low and dangerous.

The man smirks. “Oh, I think I do. Paston pays well for a job well done.”

Steel’s eyes narrow, his jaw clenching. “Then you’d better pray you’re faster than me.”

Time seems to slow as the two men face off, the tension thick enough to choke on. I clutch my side, my mind racing. If I don’t do something, this could be the end for both of us.

That’s when I feel it. The gun that Steel must have shoved in my hand. I can’t for the life of me figure out why I’m just now noticing it. I’ve never used a gun before, but it can’t be that hard. I watch as Steel bends his knees slightly. He’s getting ready to attack the newcomer. What do I do? Why does this man want me so badly?

What is my life worth?

Everything clicks into place. Let’s find out.

“STOP.”

The silence is deafening as three of Paston’s men, and Steel looks in my direction.

“What the fuck are you doing, Del?” Steel asks.

But my attention is on Paston himself.

“Let him go,” I demand. “Let him leave here safely, and you can have me.”

“Lower the gun, Delphi,” Paston says, his eyes filled with more emotion than I’ve seen from him so far.

“I said to let him go,” I say, my voice sounding far braver than I feel. “I swear, I’ll pull the trigger if you don’t let him go.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Del,” Steel says. “Lower the damn gun.”

“This is our only way out, Steel,” I say, tears clouding my vision. “They’re going to gang up on you again, and this time they won’t let you walk away.”

Steel’s jaw clenches, his eyes flicking between me and Paston. “You think trading yourself is going to solve this? Think, Del. They won’t let me walk even if you give yourself up.”

“You don’t know that,” I snap, my voice trembling but resolute. “What I do know is I won’t let you die for me.”

Paston tilts his head, watching me like a predator amused by its prey. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that, Delphi Mae,” he says smoothly. “Lower the gun, sweetheart, and we’ll talk.”

I tighten my grip on the weapon, my hands slick with sweat. “Not until Steel is out of here.”

Paston sighs dramatically. “This isn’t a negotiation, darling. But since you’re so insistent...” He waves a hand, signaling to his men. “Boys, step back. Let Steel go. For now.”

My breath catches, relief mingling with dread. I can’t tell if Paston is playing me or if he’s actually willing to let Steel leave. Steel’s eyes narrow, suspicion radiating off him.

“You expect me to just leave you here?” Steel growls, his body coiled like a spring ready to explode.

“Don’t make me change my mind,” Paston replies coolly. “The lady has a gun, and I’m feeling generous. Walk away, Steel.”

Steel doesn’t move. His hands flex at his sides, his gaze boring into mine.

“Tell your men to back the fuck off,” I say, my body trembling so intensely that I don’t know how I’m still standing.

“You heard the lady,” Paston says, and his men move several feet away.

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