The smile twists into a scowl the moment I open the manacle and cuff her wrist to mine.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” The fire’s back in her tone.
“Taking precautions. After everything that’s happened today, I want to make extra sure I don’t lose what’s mine.” I raise a brow and subject her to a head-to-toe inspection, lingering on her chest just to get a rise.
She wraps her free arm around herself and glares. “I am notyours.”
That defiant expression and tone go straight to my dick.
Telling it to stand down, I set my jaw. “You’re right. You belong to Declan now.”
Trinity’s mouth thins, and her nostrils flare. She appears one-wrong word away from punching me. “Who the fuck is that?”
I cock my head, startled by her lack of recognition. “Declan Gallagher.”
I witness the moment the name clicks. Her pretty eyes widen, and her mouth opens in a horrified but cute little “o.” She’s like a sexy cartoon character.
As she swallows, her throat shifts. “You… you’re a…”
“A Port King?” My smug smirk widens. “That’s right, princess. And for the time being, your life is in my hands, so just?—”
“No!” She shoves my chest and pivots, bolting for the street.
Guess someone forgot she’s handcuffed.
The force of her sprint yanks me off-balance, compelling me to stumble after her. Despite her obvious discomfort, she races toward the exit, dragging me a short distance until I plant my feet and jerk her to a stop. After catching her beneath the arms, I spin her and shove her up against the alley wall.
We’re both panting a little, and I’m pissed all over again.
Her lower lip trembles. “What do you want from me? Why are you doing this?”
“It’s not personal.” I slide my free hand around her handcuffed wrist and squeeze. “But if you don’t stop defying me, it will be very soon.”
She winces but doesn’t back down. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“And why would I do that?”
“Because if you don’t, I’ll make your life a living hell.”
A muscle tics in my jaw. “Too damn late?—”
“If you’re just going to kill me, why bring me to this place? You could have blown my brains out ten different ways by now.” She chews her bottom lip, then glowers at me. “Tell me what this is really about, or I’ll lay myself down on the ground in protest.”
I almost roll my eyes. “You need a stronger threat than that.”
“You really think you’ll be able to get us out of here with my limp body literally weighing you down?” She arches an eyebrow. “Out there? In broad daylight? In one of the most populous cities on US soil?”
Irritation burns beneath my sternum. The girl graduates from college one time, and she thinks she knows everything. Can’t wait to teach her spoiled ass a thing or two.
No time like the present.
I twist her hair around my hand, eliciting a sharp gasp from her that sparks my excitement. She’s defiant, but she’s also scared. Good.
“You want to lay yourself down right here? Fine.” I smirk and lower my voice to a husky growl. “After I’ve had my fun, I’m sure you’ll be more than ready to leave.”
Her chest heaves, her pulse fluttering at her throat. “You wouldn’t?—”
“You have no idea what I would do, Trinity.” I lean in close. “Try to run from me again, and I’ll fuck every last hope of escape right out of you.”
