Page 27 of Taken By the Mobster

He had a cigarette between his fingers and a glass of scotch in his hand. “You’re awake.”

“I am.” She cleared her throat. “How is your brother?”

“He’s okay,” Declan said. “Tired. Sore. But he’ll live. Thanks to you.” He took another step into the room and pointed at the chair. “Do you mind if I sit?”

Olivia shook her head. “No.” She perched on the edge of the bed and folded her hands in her lap. “And you? How are you?”

Declan shrugged. “I’m exhausted.”

“I’m sure you are,” Olivia murmured.

“What about you?” Declan asked. “Can’t sleep?”

Olivia snorted. “I’ve slept too much. I’m going stir crazy being trapped in one small bedroom after another.” She stared at Declan.

He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’m sorry about that. I really am.” He downed the amber liquid in the glass, set it on the floor, and dropped his cigarette in the glass. “Murphy and Walsh make me uneasy when they’re around you. Especially Walsh. If he finds out who you are, I guarantee you he will tell Clyde.”

Olivia believed him; he seemed genuinely sorry. “But isn’t Walsh one of your men? Wouldn’t he be loyal to you?”

Declan shook his head. “No. Murphy isn’t one of my guys either. Clyde put them with me, promised they’d follow orders, and do as they were told. I don’t think Murphy will do anything, but since they both work for Clyde, I can’t guarantee their loyalty.”

“That’s why you’re keeping me locked up?” she asked.

“The door isn’t locked. You can come out any time you want,” Declan said. “Walsh doesn’t know that, though.” Declan cleared his throat. “I told you why we left the safe house so suddenly, right?” he asked. “Because Clyde was on his way back?”

“Yes,” Olivia replied.

“There was no explanation or reason why Clyde was on his way to the safe house, just a phone call from one of his men telling us to expect him. I think … I think he knew our hostage was alive.”

Olivia swallowed and rubbed her forehead. Her head hurt. “Oh, God,” she groaned.

“I don’t think he knew it was you, Liv. But he knew our hostage was alive. And he was coming back to take care of it.”

“How did he find out?” she whispered.

Declan stared at the door. “I think Walsh told him.”

Olivia nodded, though she wasn’t really listening. She was trying to decide whether she should run. Even though Declan had promised to protect her, she didn’t think he could save her from Clyde. No one could.

“You need to let me go,” she blurted. “Let me leave. You know I won’t talk. But if Clyde finds me—.” A tear ran down her cheek, and she trembled.

He can’t find me.

“Liv, it’s okay,” Declan said.

Olivia jumped to her feet, wincing when her injured foot hit the floor. “No, it’s not. It is most definitely not okay. You don’t understand, Declan. Clyde will kill me. And not just because I took the money.” She sucked in a deep breath. “I defied him. As far as he is concerned, I belong to him, and he will stop at nothing to possess me again. That is all I am to him. A possession. A possession he lost and wants back.” She looked out the window, then turned back to Declan. “Let me go, Declan. Please?”

She moved toward the door, but before she reached it, Declan grabbed her, one hand on her hip and his arm around her waist. She spun around to face him. Her heart pounded in her chest, hard enough to hurt. She put her hands on his chest and pushed, desperate to get away.

“Liv, stop,” he whispered. “I won’t hurt you.” He swallowed, his throat clicking. “I know you’re afraid of Clyde, but if you let me, I can protect you. I swear I can keep you safe.”

Declan slid his hand up her body and around her throat until his hand rested under her chin. He tipped her head back and brushed a kiss across her lips. It was gentle, seeking something from her she desperately wanted to give him.

“What is it about you, Liv?” he asked. He caressed her cheek with the tip of his finger. “How come it was so easy to fall back in love with you?”

Olivia couldn’t answer him. She didn’t understand what was happening. After all these years, Olivia couldn’t help but feel drawn to Declan Quinn, and she didn’t understand why. What she knew was that she didn’t want it to stop. She couldn’t leave Declan. He had her under his spell.

Olivia took his hand and intertwined her fingers with his. She pulled his arm around her waist and stepped close, her body flush against his.

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