The Devil In Disguise (Bad Things #1)(9)

“Share,” she blasted at him.

“You’re what’s funny.”

The red in her cheeks deepened.

“I’m not drunk anymore.”

“Yes, so?”

“So…” Luke drew out the word. “Your sexy little power doesn’t work on me any longer. Not when I’m sober.”

She backed up a step. A quick back-up.

“It worked when I was drunk because I’d let down my guard.” Luke shook his head. “I’ll make sure not to make that mistake around you again.”

Her breath was coming faster. He could see the frantic jerk of her chest. “Yes,” he said, considering. “You probably should be afraid. After all, if you are a siren, well, then that means you’re mine.” Part of the dark world that he commanded.

“I’m not yours,” she whispered.

We’ll see about that.

“Just give me the Eye,” Mina said, almost pleading. “And you don’t ever have to see me again. I’ll leave you alone, I promise.”

“Who said I wanted that?” Now his gaze dipped over her. “I believe there were…promises exchanged.” He smiled at her, and he knew his grin would be evil. “Besides, do you truly think I’ll just let you walk away from me now? You imprisoned me. You drugged me—”

“The gassing was an accident! I didn’t mean to hit the button!”

“Like you didn’t mean to lock me in this f*cking cage?”

She bit her lower lip. A waste. He could do that for her.

After a moment, she gave a long exhale. “That part wasn’t an accident,” Mina admitted. “The whole locking-you-in thing was deliberate.”

He would not let her charm him. But…most others would have been cowering before him in that moment. She was scared, he could smell her fear, but she was still standing up to him.

Sexy.

Dangerous.

His head cocked. “Why do you want the Eye?”

She didn’t speak. Always a bad sign when a siren doesn’t speak.

“Did I ask the wrong question?” He rolled back his shoulders. “Fine, let’s try again…who is it that you want to destroy? Because that’s what the Eye does. I don’t know what stories you’ve heard, but the Eye doesn’t give power. It takes it away.” Mostly true.

Mostly.

He’d always been good at bending the truth. One of his specialties.

“I know that,” she said, but she backed up another step.

“Then you’re bloodthirsty.” Luke nodded. “I find that trait very attractive in a woman.”

Her eyes narrowed on him. “I’m pretty sure you find every trait attractive in a woman,” she fired back.

He laughed. Dammit, she was fun. If he weren’t currently caged…

“Why are you looking at me that way?” Mina asked, nervously tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

“Because I want to f*ck you.”

Another quick back step. “That isn’t happening.”

It so will.

“This is what’s going to happen.” Her chin notched up. “You’re going to tell me where I can find the Eye or I am going to leave you in that cage.”

He shrugged. “Leave me here.”

The furrow between her brows deepened.

“You think I don’t have help coming?” He winked at her. “I do. We aren’t the only ones on this island. Back-up will be here by dawn.” Since he’d already been unconscious a few hours, dawn wouldn’t be far away. “Then I’ll be free and you…you will be mine.”

She hurried toward the wall and her hand hovered over the button that would dispense that drugging gas once more.

He tensed.

“Tell me where the Eye is,” Mina ordered him, her voice shaking just a bit. “Or you will go down.”

He didn’t relish another face slam into the stone. “Another dosing will kill me.”

Her fingers trembled, a small, but telling movement. Interesting.

“Is that what you want?” Luke pushed her. “To kill me? If I’m dead, then I guess you can search my whole house for the Eye.” But you won’t find it.

“I don’t want to hurt you.” Her fingers hovered over the button. “I just need that Eye. Please, give it to me. Give it to me.”

The power was back in her voice and this time, he could feel the push against him. But…Sorry, sweetheart. I’m in control now. “That Eye is mine. I don’t give up what’s mine.” You’re mine, too. You just don’t realize it yet.

I do.

She stared at him and he could have sworn tears gleamed in her eyes. Odd, most of the Dark Ones didn’t cry, at least…not until after they’d suffered a whole lot of pain. “Who hurt you?” Luke asked and his own voice had gone cold and hard.

“They’ll keep hurting me,” she said, her voice soft now. “Unless I have the Eye. Give it to me. Please.”

He couldn’t. It was far more dangerous than she realized. And only he could control it. “Get me out of here. Now.” Because he didn’t like her tears.

She glanced at the button.

“Mina…” he growled.