“Neither of you.”
Celeste’s voice cut through the tension like a knife.
Rylan froze. Liam looked lost.
“What?” Rylan asked.
“I’m not choosing either of you,” Celeste said. “I’m done choosing what people expect me to do.”
“That wasn’t an option.”
“I’m making one.”
She walked to Liam and started untying him.
Rylan raised his gun. “Stop,” he warned.
Celeste didn’t flinch. “Shoot me then. But I’m freeing him.”
“You suspect I received’t?”
“I suppose you want me alive,” she said quietly. “If not, I’d already be lifeless.”
Rylan’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t shoot.
Celeste kept operating until Liam became free.
He stood slowly, legs vulnerable.
“Are you able to walk?” she requested.
He nodded, silent. Too many years of drugs.
“Good. Stay close.”
She turned to Rylan. “You said y
