Page 125 of Nothing But Air

Kyle seemed to study her a moment, and that sick smile spread over his face again. “Of course.”

If he could get Eden away from Kyle, they could find a place to hide. To wait out rescue. But he needed to catch Kyle off guard. “You’ve thought this through, haven’t you?”

“I started planning the moment I got the text from Sierra.” Kyle’s jaw tightened. “Now move. Both of you. We’ve got a mile to hike and daylight’s burning.”

Since the text from Sierra? But that was before he knew anything about the gold. Something wasn’t adding up.

They gathered their packs in tense silence. Teague positioned himself between Kyle and Eden as they started walking.

“Chivalrous,” Kyle noted. “But unnecessary. I’m not going to hurt her. Yet.”

“Yet is doing a lot of work in that sentence.”

“It’s supposed to be motivating. Keep walking.”

The terrain got rougher as they moved north toward the coordinates from Marcus’s grandfather’s map. Boulder fields. Narrow passages. The clouds getting darker above.

Teague stayed close to Eden, hyperaware of Kyle ten feet behind. He lowered his voice to barely a breath.

“The rescue team is coming. We just have to stall.”

“No talking.” Kyle’s voice cut sharp. “You think I can’t hear you? Sound carries in canyons. Basic acoustics.”

“Just telling her I love her.” The words came out before Teague could stop them. “In case I don’t get another chance.”

Eden’s step faltered. She glanced back at him—something raw and complicated in her expression. Yeah, probably not the best way to make that confession for the first time.

“How touching.” Kyle’s voice dripped sarcasm. “Keep moving.”

The rock spire came into view as the first roll of thunder vibrated the air around them. The pillar of stone rose forty feet, weathered and ancient. At the top, a small alcove partially hidden by angle and failing light.

“There it is.” Kyle studied the formation. “X marks the spot. Or in this case, a forty-foot rock pillar marks the spot.” He turned to Teague. “You’re going up. Eden stays with me.”

“No.”

“That wasn’t a request.”

“Eden climbs with me or I don’t climb at all.” Teague kept his voice calm despite the panic clawing at his chest. “Your choice.”

“Actually, it’s your choice.” Kyle’s gun hand stayed rock steady. “You climb. Find the gold. Bring it down. And if you do anything stupid, anything at all”—the gun shifted toward Eden—“she’s the one who pays. Do we understand each other?”

Teague looked at Eden. Fear in her blue eyes—but determination too. A silent message: Do what he says. Don’t you dare get shot trying to protect me.

What was she thinking? Of course he’d do anything to protect her. Including getting shot.

Teague drew a deep breath. “Kyle?—”

“Teague.” Eden’s voice was quiet but firm. “Please. Go. Find the gold. Come back.”

“Listen to her.” Kyle’s voice held an edge. “She’s being smart. You should try it sometime.”

“If you hurt her…”

“What? You’ll fall on me from forty feet? Haunt me from beyond the grave?” Kyle laughed. “Just climb, Hamilton. Before I lose my patience.”

Teague looked at Eden one more time. “I meant it,” he said quietly. “What I said earlier.”

Her eyes glistened. “I know. Now go get the gold. And please”—her voice cracked—“come back alive.”