The Keepers: Declan

“So you know we have zero tolerance for thieves?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“I’m not everyone. That should concern you,” he said, his words edged with a warning that made her stomach lurch.

She glanced at the door again, her heart pounding.

He tilted his head to follow her gaze again. “You really think you can outrun me?”

Raw adrenaline pumped through her, her body primed to flee. Her heart slammed against her rib cage and she drew in a sharp breath. Think, think, think.

“You have two options, Catwoman.” Declan turned his eyes back to her. Although it was dark, she knew their colour. She’d never been able to shrug off the memory of those expressive blue eyes that sparked with intensity and mischief.

“And I’m busting at the seams to hear them.”

“Option one is where you surrender and explain why you’re here.”

“Not appealing. And two?”

Declan waved a hand at the door. “Or you can run.”

Kate narrowed her eyes. Not quite what she’d been expecting to hear. Although his tone was easy, he dripped with challenge.

But she couldn’t leave without the daggers.

“And you’ll be after me in a flash,” she said.

“Take it or leave it.”

Apparently, his love of mischief still thrived, the trait that had drawn her to him before – along with the fact that she’d marked him from the start. They’d met in a New Orleans bar, where they’d shared flirty comments and copious shots of whiskey. Then, she’d had the upper hand. She’d had a plan – which might have taken a detour thanks to the alcohol and his charm – but she’d retrieved what she’d needed and run. This was entirely different.

“We both know you won’t let me leave, so why the facade?” she asked.

“Call it curiosity. I’m impressed. And tonight I’m in need of a distraction.” A slow smile softened his features. “Besides, I like a good chase like the rest of them.”

“So what is this then, cat and mouse?”

“Call it what you like. It could be fun.”

“Sure, if you’re the cat.”

“Lucky for me that I’m no mouse.”

Kate’s mind grasped at options. She needed those daggers and the protection they offered. God knows she needed protection right now. Not from the Bennett brother. He was strong, powerful, a Keeper at his best – but he wouldn’t hurt her. After all, he existed to protect his witch and to maintain the balance of nature. Unlike whoever was after her.

She swallowed her desperation and gave him a level stare.

“I’ll make you a deal,” she offered. “A bet.”

Declan folded his arms across his chest. “You’re not really in a position to, but you’ve got my attention.”

This was a game for him! She shoved out her chin, determined to match his challenge. “I bet you that I’ll beat you to the daggers.”

“I doubt that, but please continue.”

“If I do, I get to keep the daggers and leave.”

“If you don’t, I get to keep you?”

She heard the teasing laughter in his voice and her nerves soared. “Since I intend to win, that part is irrelevant.”

“Is that so?”

“Guaranteed.”

He closed the distance between them, the movement making her shrink even further into the shadows, and held out his hand. “I bet that you won’t and in that case, I get to decide your fate.”

Confidence oozed from his words, triggering a flare of panic. Although she had similar abilities, she wasn’t as strong as a true Keeper. The only way she’d be able to defeat Declan was if he used his elemental power – fire.

Not something the Keeper would do lightly.

Her ability to immobilize magic was the only magical power she’d been taught to embrace. Everything else had been forbidden.

Kate quelled her hesitation and held out her hand. “Done.”

His fingers closed around hers, firm, warm, sparking memories of feeling his hands all over her. An unwelcome excitement flushed through her and she tried to pull away.

Instead of releasing her, he tightened his grip and slid an arm around her waist.

“Let me go,” she snapped, shoving a hand against his chest, needing the distance between them. God, any moment now and he’d recognise her. She twisted, he turned, and she struggled. When she tried to shove him away, they stumbled and ended up in a heap on the floor.

Kate struggled to breathe with his weight on top of her. How the hell had she landed beneath him? Dammit! “Manhandling me is not part of the deal, warrior boy.”

“Call me that again and manhandling will be the least of your worries.” He pinned her wrists on either side of her face, and she averted her eyes from his intense blue gaze, grateful for the darkness and the hoodie that concealed her secret – one that was about to crumble at any moment. She’d drugged him that night so his memories would be cloudy, but the proximity was dangerous. His tousled black hair and sculpted face were enough to send any woman’s heart racing. Even hers. Even now.

The scent of him aroused sinful memories and she sucked in air. Shoving away the night she’d lost her grip on reality, she tried to buck him off her. “Get off me!”

“I won’t hurt you, wildcat. Calm down.”

“If you mean me no harm then let me go.”

“I will, but for now, I simply want some answers.”

“That wasn’t our deal.”

“I’m the one on top, so I get to call the shots.”

“I figure you just love being on top.”