Curse And Craving

7

He chuckled before he responded. “Tell me that’s not the welcome you’ve received to our fine country.” “In fact, that and more. It’s been an interesting few days.” “Sounds like it. I can easily see what all the fuss is about, but I will endeavor to keep myself well-behaved.” My eyes dropped shyly at his compliment. “Thank you. Should you feel the need to get on the crazy train, at least give me a running head start.” He laughed aloud, and I brought my eyes back to his. “Well, I assure you that the good doctors who released me back into society said I was no longer a danger to those around me, so you have nothing to fear from me.” He gave me a sly look, and a laugh bubbled up from my chest. “Tell me, Ronan, what do you do for a living?” “A little of this, a little of that—I do whatever the boss tells me to. Sometimes, I’m a courier, sometimes, a negotiator, and sometimes, I do research. I'm rather boring, really. I’d much prefer to hear more about you. Did you move to Belfast alone?” He eyed me curiously. “Yes and no. My best friend, Ashley, came to help get me settled for the first couple of weeks. She heads back to the States soon, and then it’s just me.” “That’s very kind of her. I take it you two are close?” “She’s like a sister to me. I’m going to miss her when she leaves.” My gaze dropped at the sudden feeling of loss. Not wanting to be a downer, I redirected our conversation and asked about his accent since it sounded like a mix of Irish and Scottish. “I’ve traveled around a bit—spent a good deal of time in the Highlands. I’m originally from this area but only came back more recently.” “Did you travel as a child then? You don’t seem old enough to have been traveling long on your own.” “Maybe I’m older than I look,” he teased with a smirk. “Have you had a chance to tour the sights of our fine city?” “Not really. I took this job very quickly, so I haven’t had any time since arriving to sightsee or learn much about the area. Plus, I’m enjoying my time with Ashley while she’s here. I can check out the city more once I’m on my own.” “Well, we can’t have a pretty girl like you wandering around all alone. Maybe I can show you some of my favorite places, starting this weekend. I’ll be at the Huntsman tomorrow night. Bring your friend and come out for some drinks with the fellas and me.” His warm expression and open demeanor were disarming. He seemed relaxed and genuine, although I could feel the bounce of his leg burning off nervous energy under the table. He was probably more nervous than he’d like me to think. It was endearing, and I found myself leaning closer. A crowded nightclub should be a safe place to meet up. And I’d have Ashley with me. The prospect churned nervous excitement in my belly. With a small bite at my lower lip, I replied, “I think that could be arranged.” I didn’t know who the s*x kitten was that had suddenly possessed me, but man was she hot! My cheeks warmed, and my gaze dropped to the remnants of my lunch, which I suddenly felt too anxious to finish. “I should probably get back to my office.” “I suppose I can let you go, so long as I get to see you tomorrow.” He rose from his chair and rounded the table, then held out his hand for mine. Once my fingers were in his warm grasp, he brought my knuckles to his mouth for a soft kiss. “It’s been an absolute pleasure, Rebecca. I’ll see you at the club.” OceanofPDF.com Chapter Four BY THE TIME THE MUSEUM CLOSED, THE SKIES HAD LET UP. WHILE THE RAIN had subsided, the air was infused with a biting chill. My feet had long given up any hope of warmth stuffed in poorly insulated pumps. Despite the freezing, moist air, I was feeling optimistic and looking forward to telling Ashley about the dizzying events of my day. Reflecting on my lunch with Ronan as I walked down the dark sidewalk, I didn’t notice a large c***k in the pavers until my heel had lodged itself deep inside the crevice. My ankle rolled to the side, causing me to lunge forward with a squeal. By some small miracle, I managed to catch myself and keep from face planting on the wet ground. I was fairly certain I hadn’t done any damage to my ankle besides some mild discomfort. However, the heel of my shoe had twisted loose. I hobbled over to lean against the nearby wall to assess the black leather heel and determine whether it was salvageable. The awning above me cast a heavy shadow and made it hard to see, so I moved myself to a better spot. Just as I resituated myself beneath the lamplight, my eyes were drawn to a woman walking toward me. At first glance, I would have said she was heading to an event or a night on the town. Her smooth, flowing blond hair was artfully styled, and she wore a black cocktail dress clinging to her shapely figure. She strode with such a confident air that I couldn’t help but gawk at her beauty. That was when things started to get weird.

When I tried to focus on her facial features, my eyes seemed to play tricks on me. As if she were a holograph, the image of the woman became transparent, and beneath, a much more monstrous figure materialized. A sickly gray creature with filthy, talon-like fingers. Its bones protruded in a ghastly fashion, and stringy black hair hung limp over small breasts. She was essentially naked, her only covering was the beautiful image projected like a skin to conceal the horror beneath. The most disturbing part of all was her bloodred eyes. They almost glowed as they adeptly scanned her surroundings. My instant terror was too intense to question. I had the capacity for logic or reason, yet all I knew was fear. Like a rabbit knows to run from a wolf, I knew this creature was deadly. But there was nowhere to run. It was too late.