“Where’s Lorcan?” I asked abruptly. They both went silent, shooting looks at one another. I stopped walking as I waited for a response. Lorcan had been missing all week. Not even the briefest glimpse of him darting down halls to avoid me. I’d hear him talking sometimes, through the door, arguing with Dullahan and Puca.

“What’s going on?” I asked, pinning them with my gaze. Something wasn’t right.

“He doesn’t want to see you,” Dullahan said with a grimace.

“Well, that's not offensive,” I said, very much in offense.

“Lorcan is insane is all,” Puca said. “And I don’t mean that metaphorically. He’s convinced if he sees you he’ll…I don’t know, become psychotic or something,” Puca snorted.

“That’s ridiculous,” I mumbled. There was something at the edges of my mind—murmured words, whispered promises, sensations. So very soon, Lacey.

My body felt oddly hot from whatever was at the edges of my memory. I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling oddly shy about the sudden press of my nipples against my silk shirt.

“I want to see him,” I said suddenly, only realizing how true that was the moment it was out of my mouth. I needed to see him and wasn’t sure why but it was making me feel nervous and agitated all of a sudden. The idea of staying in this hallway made my heart speed up in my chest.

“Where is he?” I demanded, my eyes darting around the hall. I wasn’t sure what was happening. It felt like I had to get out of here, get to him.

“Are you okay?” Puca asked, eyes scanning me as I backed up a few steps and panted. I pressed my fingers to my forehead and realized I was sweating. My eyes darted around as if I was looking for something waiting in the shadows.

“I need to go. I don’t want to be here. I want to see him,” I said, trying to push them away and head back up to the condo. Dullahan reached out and grabbed me.

“Get off of me!” I snarled, thrashing in his hold. He raised his eyebrows and then pulled me to his oversized body. I practically hissed, pushing on his abs, trying to maneuver my way out of his grip until he picked me off the ground, my heels dangling above the marble.

“You’re being a brat again,” he grumbled.

“Let me go!” I nearly yelled.

“Really, what is going on?” Puca asked.

“I can’t be here,” I said. Everything inside me was screaming to run. I tried to struggle my way out of Dullahan’s grip.

“I’m sorry but I can’t let you do that. He’s asked to be kept separate.”

“You don’t understand,” I gasped, a cold almost numb sensation moving up my spine.

“She’s right you know,” came a western drawl. “Would’ve been a good idea to listen to a leprechaun telling you it’s time to run.” Remington stepped from a shadowed storefront that was closed down while renovations took place. He flicked his cigarillo on the ground.