Page 19 of Three Irish Kings

I stop screaming. I need to preserve both my breath and my strength if I want to have any chance at this.

Too soon, we arrive at our destination.

The motor cuts off. A second car comes to a stop close by.

Doors open and close.

“Open it.”

I can tell it’s Dare, I recognize his voice.

I close my eyes and let my head fall to the side.

I have to think of something fast, and maybe me being ‘passed out’ will catch them off-guard and give me a head start.

The trunk opens, and I remain as still as possible as my heart gallops in my chest.

“How the fuck did she get knocked out?” The voice sounds worried, and I assume it’s the brooding one from the elevator. Uh… Cillian.

“Maybe it was the stress. Or exhaustion. It’s not like she wasn’t screaming her head off halfway here!” This is Liam, I think.

But why do they sound so affected? Aren’t they kidnapping me? So, me passing out should be nothing to any of them.

I mean, I’m all tied up and everything. That doesn’t scream ‘concerned citizens’ to me.

A shadow falls over me, and I open my eyes and push myself up, nearly knocking over Dare and falling out onto the hard ground.

I gasp, looking up at him and scrambling backward. I hit the bumper of the car.

There’s nowhere to go.

“Listen,aghrá?—”

“Don’t you dare call me that.” I look around with wide eyes, trying to keep my bearings. “Where am I? Where have you taken me?”

“We’re not going to hurt you,” Cillian says quietly, but he doesn’t look convinced and neither am I.

“Okay, listen here, Maggie,” Liam orders, and I glare at him.

“Who the fuck is Maggie? You’ve got the wrong girl. I’mIsla.” I point to Dare. “Ask him. We met.”

Liam crosses his arms over his chest. “Right. Because traitors never lie about who they are.”

“Traitors?” My heart speeds up and my breath comes short.

What the hell is happening here? Who is this Maggie? And why do they think I am here?

I look all around.

There’s no way out. And I have no idea where I even am.

“Don’t eventhinkabout running. It’ll be worse for you.” Liam points toward the cottage. “In the house. Now.”

I stare up at him for a long moment, and when Dare takes my arm, I wrench away from him.

“Don't touch me,” I snarl.

Something passes over Dare’s face, too quick to recognize.