Tug.
Tug.
As if my inkling were whispering,look . . . look!
My eyes darted across the crowd snagging on a strange figure. A cloaked, gray-hooded, mountain of a man stood in the middle of the busy walkway. Easily the tallest person there, frozen in place.
How the hell did no one else notice them?
I couldn’t pull my eyes away—mesmerized by how the world buzzed around, not a single curious glance flicked his way.
Slowly, his sights lifted, just enough for thehood to slip back, revealing a face. Neon eyes locked on mine. They looked foreign, otherworldly.
Then, his head tilted in silent curiosity.
One part of me squirmed as another part challenged, staring back.
What the hell was his?—
“Miss!” The firm voice cut off my thoughts. “Ya need to come with us right now! Lochlainn’s summoned ya.”
Two Luckmen stopped just a few feet away. One was baby-faced while the other had an age-kissed beard.
No cheery greetings. No polite smiles. No, they were all business.Tight jaws and squared shoulders that exuded authority. Not good.
Okay, so I guess Lochlainn wasreallypissed.
“I actually just had a lovely visit with him, which more than hits my quota for the day,” I said, flashing a sickeningly sweet smile. “So I’ll be headed home now. But thanks ever so much for letting me know.”
“We’re not asking,” Babyface grumbled. “You’re coming with us. Let’s go.”
I’d had enough of Lochlainn’s games for one day. Sending his dogs to leash me back to his place was just the cherry on top. Quite frankly, he could go screw his coin collection. No way was I going with them.
Without another word, I pushed past Babyface, walking away.
“Sorry cabbage sprout, I’m not one of his dogs,” I called over my shoulder. “But feel free to send him my warmest regards!”
A firm hand clamped down on my upper arm.
“Funny,” he spat, dragging me forward. “Ya look like abitchto me. Like I said—we’re not asking. Don’t bother making this harder on yourself.”
A second hand wrapped around my other arm, both of them forcing me forward.
I slammed my feet down, bringing us to a halt.
“Let. Go. Of. Me!”
I yanked an arm free and drove my elbow into the bastard’s face. There was a satisfyingcrunchas bone met cartilage.
The man swore as he grabbed his nose.
I didn’t hesitate as I rounded on Graybeard, catching him mid-blink, still processing what I’d just done. One smooth swoop and I latched onto his shoulders. Drawing him in, I reared back, sending a forceful knee into his groin.
Ooooff. . . even I felt the pain in that one.
The grip on my arm instantly dropped. He doubled over hissing, clutching what might’ve once been his family jewels.
Sprinting, I didn’t stick around knowing the other group of Luckmen weren’t far. I held my shoulder bag steady. Not that it helped much. Every step sent it slamming into my hip, the contents smashing around inside like a goddamn maraca.
