Declan's Demand

“That’s not my problem. You’ll probably have to get close to him—very close—in order to get access to his study. My men haven’t found it anywhere else, and I’ve had them looking for a while.”

“Why is this deed important?”

“You ask a lot of questions, don’t you?”

It sounds like an insult, but it’s probably the one good thing I got from my father.

“Don’t worry about why it’s important.”

“And if I don’t find it?”

“Then dear old Dad dies. But as an incentive, if you get it I’ll wipe his debts clean, including the interest payment.”

“So all I have to do is steal the deed to this property, get it to you, and my dad is free and clear?”

“Yes. But I’m only giving you a week to do it.”

“A week?” I step back, afraid he’ll hit me again.

He waves his hand nonchalantly. “I’m a little pressed for time.”

“I need to leave, then—get there.” I run through my head all the ways I can get close to Declan, or maybe his brother Neil. I’m lost and don’t see LeHavre round on me, boxing me in.

“Oh, don’t worry about that. Your chariot waits.” He slaps me so hard my head spins, forcing me to fall to the floor. He’s on top of me ripping my nightclothes off. I’m screaming and kicking until he lands a good punch to my middle, driving the last will of my fight from me.

“Stupid girl. One week. I’ll be in contact.”

I feel the air around me spin and I’m tossed naked inside the carpet, rolling, rolling. It’s hot and I feel claustrophobic, unable to push against the scratchy wool. My chest burns, trying to get air in my struggles, and everything goes dark.

“Sydney, you never answered my question.” Declan speaks, looking at me queerly.

“Huh?” I’m caught up in the nightmare of his old sandbox friend tormenting me. We both watch hi

s hand curl over my shoulder and skim down my arm, grazing the fresh bruise with his fingertips. I don’t think I can handle enclosed spaces for a while, and Declan is nearly on top of me despite the size of the room.

“If you’re offering your body in exchange for your father’s debts to be cleared, I’m interested in further negotiations.” He’s so close I can see the lighter rim around his dark irises. His pupils pulse in the firelight. My mouth opens, barely audible making a soft pop. I feel like a fish out of water.

Two men have now offered for me, and neither is a choice I want to make. One man owns me already and the clock is ticking. This man in front of me wants me, but is it too late?

“Sydney.” His voice lowers as his finger trails down my shoulder to my wrist a second time. His fingers close around the bone and skin, tracing a pattern of veins pumping blood in a thready beat throughout my stressed body.

How else will I get close enough to get the property deed, assuming I can even find it?

I think about LeHavre’s threats. LeHavre marked me physically, but my soul is still intact.

“All right.” I swallow the lump in my throat and the dread that he’s going to have buyer’s remorse once he gets his hands on me.

“All right?” He looks almost bewildered and boyishly handsome.

“Yes, my offer still stands, Mr. Natas: my body for a debt.” And may my higher power strike me dead—not for making a deal with the devil, but for betraying him.

Chapter Nine

Declan

I let her relax a moment before I pop her happy little bubble. She should know me better by now. “I saved you, pretty girl, and now you owe me.”

Her face pales and her lips purse, letting her slender throat constrict. I want her willingly, of course. I only like my partners tied up when they want to be tied up. I’m confident I could bend Sydney without the need to break her. I’m not hero material either; I’m not saving her—I just don’t think I want to break her anymore. Look at me, a changed man and I’ve yet to fully have her.