Chapter Seventy-Nine
Matilda's breath hitched the moment Asli's fingers ghosted over the spot where her gun hid. There was a silent but deadly shift in the air. Her eyes flicked to Cole— he had noticed too.
Before reason could catch up, Matilda pushed herself between them, her hands pressing firmly against Markus's chest, and forcing him back. His laughter barely had time to die on his lips before Cole was at Asli's side, his own hand hovering near his weapon and muscles stiff, waiting.
Matilda did not hear what Markus had whispered to Asli, but it didn't matter. One wrong move, or one flicker of permission in Asli's gaze, and Cole would not hesitate. And at this point, Asli might not hesitate to shoot either.
