“Of course,” he says warmly, clearly affected by my concern for his mother.
We hang up the phone, and I look ahead of me. I’m surprised to see the guy who knocked her over with his friend. Something silver glints in his pocket. He looks over his shoulder at me, and I swear he’s lost that boyish fear he had before. He looks almost mocking. I’m on my feet before I know it, walking after him. Did he take Fiona’s phone?
Bloody hell, if I follow him, she’s inside with only Calum’s guard watching her. I can’t leave her, but I can’t pursue the bastard, either. I watch him enter the building and curse under my breath.Chapter 15FionaI practically fume though my entire class, which is a waste of time and energy. I’m not even sure why I’m so irritated. At first, I think it’s Lachlan that I blame, for being so controlling and bossy. But I know who he is. He’s in charge. He’s comfortable that way, and it’s in his blood. It’s why he was inducted as a high-ranking member of the Clan. At least that’s what Sheena’s told me.
Sheena. She didn’t sound good on the phone this morning. Is it just my imagination, thinking that someone is after the women of the Clan? It wouldn’t be the first time.
“Ms. Hurston?” I look up in surprise at my professor, as if I’ve just remembered I’m in class.
Thank God I studied last night and read the first selections chosen in the syllabus.
I look out the window and sigh, then sit up straighter. Lachlan isn’t where he was a moment ago. Where’s he gone? I can’t text him since I’ve lost my damn phone. I frown at the paper in front of me.
I came here to find my way. I came here to get my education, so I wouldn’t have to be beholden to the Clan for any more than I already have been. But now, I’ve been claimed by Lachlan. I’m his.
His.
I hold the locket at my throat, clasping it in my fist as I stare out the window.
Was it a mistake coming here? I left the Clan, and the Clan followed me here.
Is there any escaping?
I shiver when I remember his words in my ear just before class. “The only marks on your body are mine.”
It seems like an eternity waiting for the bell to ring, and when it does, the idle chatter of the girls around me annoys me.
I’m worried about whether or not my mobster boyfriend’s alright, whether my adopted mother in Ireland’s still ill, and whether I’ve lost my phone or it’s been stolen from me.
It’s then that I realize. It isn’t just Lachlan that I’m angry with. It’s me.
I leave class on a mission to find him when I hear his voice right beside me.
“Fiona.”
I look to see Lachlan right by the door, the look on his face murderous.
“What is it?”
“The guy that knocked you down had your phone.”
“Are you serious?”
“Aye.”
“And you didn’t get it?”
“And leave you here unattended?”
I lower my voice. “I’m not unattended, Lachlan. There are three armed guards ready to defend me.”
He shakes his head. It isn’t good enough for him.
I should like that. It only makes me feel guilty.
We look for the man that took my phone but can’t find them. They’ve managed to shut off whatever tracking Lachlan uses, the bastards. Lachlan alerts Tiernan, but I’m not sure what he can possibly do about it. I go to my next class, my mind a million miles away. It feels odd not having my phone. My only connection to my family an ocean away.
We go back to the hotel room the way we always do. Back doors, private entrance, security lock on the door.
“Are you hungry?” he asks.
“No.” My tone is short, my temper barely in check. “You should’ve gone after the guy that took my phone.”
“And left you? Hell no.” He points an angry finger at me. “And don’t you go telling me what to do.”
I turn around and nearly stomp at him, my hands on my hips, daring him. “Or what? You’ll spank me again?”
His eyes narrow. “You bloody well know it. I’ll take you over my knee every damn day until I’ve tamed you if I have to.”
“Taming? Is that what you’ve been telling yourself? That’s what you think I need? Is this what I should expect, Lachlan? Hmm? A life of being trailed by you when I have to pee, asking your permission for damn near everything, and then you punishing me if I disobey you?”
He crosses the room to me but doesn’t touch me. He stands apart, his own hands anchored on his hips. “When your life is on the line? Absolutely.”
I open my mouth to talk back, to throw his words back at him, when he kisses me. I try to pull away, try to shove him off, but his hands wrap around the back of my head and he holds me to him fiercely. He walks me backward until he pushes me against the wall, and his hand comes to my throat. He flexes his fingers. A warning.