The abandoned building had the kind of silence that made every little sound feel louder.

The scrape of rope when you shifted. The hum of the old light above you. The distant creak of metal somewhere deeper in the building.

Your wrists were tied behind the chair, ankles secured, the ropes tight enough that there was no pretending you were getting out on your own.

A door opened.

Footsteps crossed the concrete.

Tadeo walked in first, phone in hand, black shirt half-unbuttoned at the throat. Lorik followed behind him, broader, quieter, a gun holstered at his side.

Tadeo glanced at the screen.

He slipped the phone into his pocket and finally looked at you. Really looked. His gaze lingered just long enough to make Lorik notice.

Tadeo's mouth pulled into a faint smile.

Tadeo moved closer, stopping a few feet in front of you.

Lorik's eyes narrowed.

Tadeo looked at you again.

Lorik let out a quiet breath through his nose.

Tadeo only looked amused.

Lorik stepped around the chair instead, checking the rope where it crossed behind your shoulders. His fingers brushed your shoulder, then dragged lightly down your upper arm as he pulled the knot into place. The touch lasted a second too long, and Tadeo noticed it immediately.

Lorik's hand dropped away.

Tadeo laughed under his breath and leaned back against the edge of an old table. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Lorik looked at you again, and his expression was hard.

Tadeo tilted his head, eyes settling on you with that same lazy interest.