Page 50 of Killaney Blood

"Lyra."

I turn to see him, Declan standing there, his green eyes looking me over. "You okay?"

"Just tired." I zip up my medical bag. "Long night."

He steps closer, lowering his voice. "About the other day. I wasn't going to bring it up, but?—"

"No need," I cut him off. "It's forgotten."

"That's not what I was going to say."

My pulse jumps. "Doesn't matter. I need to go. Oh, uh, an emergency came up. I might need to leave town for a bit."

His eyes narrow. "What kind of emergency?"

"Family stuff." The lie. "I'll only be gone a couple weeks." Another lie.

He moves closer, boxing me against the table. "What's really going on, Lyra?"

I can smell his cologne, feel the heat radiating from his body. My traitor heart speeds up, remembering his kiss, his hands, the way he made me feel.

"Nothing that concerns you," I say, defaulting into defense mode.

His jaw tightens. "Everything about you concerns me now."

"Why? Because you're paying me?" I push against his chest, needing distance.

He catches my arm. "I feel like you're lying to me."

I am. Because I'm scared. Because I can't stop thinking about you. Because for the first time in my life I want something more than just survival.

"I have to go," I whisper.

His grip loosens, but he doesn't release me. "Tell me what's wrong. Let me help."

I want to. I do, but I can't put Declan in danger. I won't have another death on my conscience. It's my bag to deal with.

"There's nothing wrong," I say, pulling free of his grasp. "And I don't need your help."

I grab my bag and walk away, feeling his eyes burn into my back. Every step away from him feels wrong, but I keep going.

I'll be gone by morning. And with any luck, the Albanians will follow me and leave Declan alone.

It's better this way. For both of us.

But as I push through the exit door into the cold night air, I can't help looking back one last time.

He stands where I left him, watching me go, his expression unreadable in the shadows.

Life's never been fair for me, I think.

Then I turn and walk into the darkness. Only this time, I don't know if I'm ever coming back.

DECLAN

Itype out my latest text and hit send.