Page 69 of Twilight of Embers
“He had a big fight when he was twenty. It was against this fighter everyone thought he would lose to. Cillian borrowed money from a loan shark and put every penny he had on himself. The odds were twenty to one or something crazy like that,” Delaney continued.
“He won,” I said quietly.
She grinned. “Yep. Became a millionaire overnight.”
Because Cillian had believed in himself. Pride surged through me for him.
“He just kept taking gambles. This club. Several other businesses. The stock market. He’s a billionaire now,” Delaney continued.
“Billionaire with a B?” I squeaked.
“Yep. And famously private. He doesn’t let people onto his property. Doesn’t let them get close. Doesn’t trust anyone but that so-called family he’s created. So, it makes me curious why he’s getting so close to you.”
A chill skittered down my spine. “I honestly don’t know. I think it’s just because Knox and I are friends.”
Delaney scoffed. “Sure.”
I swallowed hard. “I’m going to find a bathroom. I’ll be back.”
I hurried away from the group before any of them could argue. I wound my way through the crowd in search of a restroom. The first hallway I found was packed with people, and the lines to the bathrooms were ridiculously long.
So, I kept going, finding my way to the back of the club. There was another hallway tucked behind the raised dais the DJ was on. This one was surprisingly quiet and people-free. Two signs illuminated restrooms.
I hurried toward the one for ladies and slipped inside. I didn’t actually have to pee. I needed to breathe.
Crossing to the sinks, I ran the water as cold as it would go. I held my hands beneath the stream, hoping it would cool me down. But I could still feel Cillian’s fingers trailing over my back and around my waist.
“Stop it,” I snapped.
I had to get myself under control. I’d never been the kind of girl who fell prey to her hormones. I made smart choices. I didn’t fall for pretty smiles and hushed promises because I knew they could end up being beyond empty.
Shutting off the water, I reached for some paper towels. I took my time drying my hands. No more stupid-girl moves. I would keep my distance from the guys. I’d focus on my studies and my job. Knox and Cáel and I could be friends but nothing more. And I was steering clear of Cillian altogether.
I felt better with that decision made, more in control. Tossing the paper towels into the trash, I stepped back into the hallway and blinked. Was it darker? That was weird.
I took two steps toward the club before strong arms jerked me back against a broad chest.
“What do we have here?” a voice sneered in my ear, the rank breath filling my nose.
I struggled to get free, sending an elbow backward as I’d learned in my self-defense classes. But the man just chuckled.
“Nice try, bitch.” He grabbed my hair, pulling it so hard my eyes filled with tears. “I heard the Teaghlach clan had a new whore. Didn’t think I’d get you on the first try. They’re getting sloppy.”
I writhed and struggled, letting out a scream. But the sounds were swallowed by the club’s music.
The man just laughed as two more stepped out of the shadows. “What do you say, boys? Should we have a little taste before we rip her to shreds?”
Everything in me turned to ice. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t.
The man leaned in, licking the side of my neck. Then he stilled, gripping me tighter. “What the hell?” he snarled. “Dragon?” he breathed, almost reverently.
I squirmed and kicked, trying to get free.
“No, you don’t,” he growled. “You’re coming with us.”
He dragged me toward the door, and my panic flared hot and bright. I couldn’t let him get me out of there. Couldn’t let them get me to a secondary location.
His arm looped around my neck as he dragged me, and I bit down as hard as I could on his forearm.
