Curse And Craving

34

He lifted his chin, and the harsh angle of his jaw softened. “What is it that you want from me, Rebecca?” “Answers. Honesty.” “I can only give what you’re willing to hear.” He stood and strolled to the window. “What does that mean?” “It means you won’t hear the truth until you’re willing to accept it. Instead, you’ll find reasons to be suspicious or skeptical. You’ll raise your defenses and fight me, and there’s no point in going down that road.” “I told you that I realized I’d been wrong. What more do you want from me?” His eyes locked with mine again, this time with a hint of challenge. “If you truly want answers, as you say, then come with me tonight to the portal opening.” I was stunned. Why would he ask such a thing? I could only imagine I’d be in the way. “Won’t it be dangerous?” I chewed at the inside of my cheek, wondering what I’d gotten myself into. “There’s always a degree of danger in everything. Tonight, I’ll hide away until the portal is opened, then use a spell to trace its source. I’ll need to deal with whatever Unseelie comes through to this side, but it shouldn’t be a problem. You will remain hidden throughout.” Then why go? Did he still feel the need to prove that he wasn’t the problem? Or was this his way of luring me into a trap? Are you seriously going down that road again? You’re here to apologize for not trusting him, not dream up new imaginary grievances. I grimaced on the inside. “Just you? Won’t you need others there just in case?” Everything about this venture sounded ridiculously dangerous. I couldn’t fathom why I should go. “The more men present, the more easily we’d be detected.” Lochlan took one step closer, then two, until I had to lift my chin to hold his gaze. His hand lifted to trace a large finger along the edge of my jaw. “Have I ever let anyone or anything hurt you?” The question ghosted across my skin, then settled in a deeply vulnerable part of my soul. Words escaped me. When his hand slid down to cup my throat, I swallowed but didn’t pull away. “I think you’re more deeply ingrained in this than you want to admit. None of it will make sense unless you can find the courage to face that truth.” His thumb caressed a path up to my chin, then back down. “The courage to trust me.” How can I trust blindly? There are so many ways a man can hurt a woman. “I’m trying,” I breathed. “Then come with me.” He leaned in, bringing his cheek close to mine, and inhaled deeply against my hair. Arousal like I’d never experienced liquified my bones and pooled into a molten mass in my belly. My lips parted on short, shallow breaths. When Lochlan pulled back to meet my eyes again, his were glowing bright blue like glittering shards of sapphire. Something about my expression pleased him, his eyes widening a fraction and lips drifting apart. “There she is,” he murmured. I couldn’t help but relish his praise. I didn’t know what was happening between us, but it was the most wanted and safe I’d felt in two weeks. I didn’t even care if it was all a ruse constructed of magic and manipulation. “Come by the club tonight at ten, and we’ll go in search of your answers.” His hand fell away, leaving me bereft and cold. I couldn’t bear to question my reaction to the loss of his touch. Instead, I wrapped the memory of him around me like a cloak to provide comfort and warmth. That way, I felt his strength there with me when I stepped onto the sidewalk outside the building and nearly collided with Ronan. “Rebecca, what are you doing here?” “Why? Worried I’ll find out you lied to me? Too late. I talked to Lochlan about the portal and the Fae he had captured. You purposely twisted the facts to make it sound like he’d been at fault.” “You've spoken with Lochlan and suddenly decided that everything I shared was all a lie?” His anger was evident, but he reined it in and studied me imploringly. “He’s manipulating you, Becca. Don’t you see that? Everyone here is under his spell, except for me. I’d hoped you at least would see through his games.” He cupped my cheeks. “I’ve only ever been open with you. Kind and thoughtful. Doesn’t that count for anything? Don’t you see how good we’d be together?” His words unnerved me. I pulled my face away from his hands. “Together? This isn’t about a relationship or choosing sides; it’s about stopping the Unseelie from getting on Earth and hurting people.” I stepped back and glanced away as he slowly lowered his hands to his sides. “I don’t want to hurt you, Ronan, but I can’t be the rope in your tug-of-war. It’s not helping anyone. We need to work together.” “I see. You’ve made your choice.” Jaw clenched, he lifted his chin. “Though I must say, you’ve chosen poorly.” Before I could respond, he stalked into the building.

Chapter Fifteen I WORE ALL BLACK FOR MY STAKEOUT AT THE PORTAL OPENING, WHICH would be helpful when I ended up dead—I’d already be dressed for my own funeral. All day, I’d argued with myself about backing out. It was too dangerous. I convinced myself that I needed to find another way to get back in Lochlan’s good graces. He would understand. He would have to. Why did it even matter what he thought? I didn’t need him. What I needed was to get this damn necklace off and go home. I spent the next half hour with every tool I could round up, trying desperately to cut, bend, and wrench the necklace from my body. I didn’t so much as make a scratch on its perfect silver links. That was when I came back around to admitting I needed help. I needed Lochlan. And if I wanted his help, and he wanted me to go to some damn portal opening, I was screwed. I needed to at least make an effort to be receptive to his brand of help. Therefore, I dressed to stay hidden, and in the alternative, I’d be casket ready. Just like the first time I saw him, Lochlan was leaning against his car when I arrived at the Huntsman building. He wore jeans and a black longsleeve Henley that clung to his broad frame, outlining his sculpted shoulders and arms. His black biker boots were a stark contrast to his usual business attire, though I had to admit they suited him. Together with his blond hair and blue eyes, he was the vision of an avenging angel. A vision that muddled my thoughts and made my mouth water.