Kat and Mouse by Lexxie Couper Read Free Book Online Page B

the base of The Mouse’s spine. “To the point, I see.”
    “Not really,” The Mouse replied. “I’d just rather not spend too much time with you.”
    Abaddon’s eyebrows shot up and The Mouse felt a sudden wave of irritated heat roll through him. “Fearless too. Even better.”
    The Mouse narrowed his eyes. “All the better for what?”
    Abaddon shifted beside him, and from the corner of his eye The Mouse noticed he tracked Katrina O’Lauchlan’s movements through the crowded casino floor. “There is a stone I wish you to procure. Currently kept in The Wicked Lynx’s vault.”
    The Mouse felt his chest grow tight. “No.”
    Abaddon continued as if he hadn’t spoke. “It is a large diamond. About the size of my fist. Within its heart is an iridescent pale blue glow.”
    “No.”
    “It is quite valuable. Especially to me. Once I have the Daemon Moon the three million is yours.”
    “No.”
    Abaddon turned to him, blue eyes glowing with an unnatural intensity. “But you haven’t heard the sweetener.”
    The Mouse kept his stare on Katrina O’Lauchlan, knowing any moment she would be swallowed by the early morning gamblers. “The sweetener? What, my life? If I don’t steal this Daemon Moon for you, you’ll turn me to toast?” He flicked Abaddon a quick look, not remotely trying to hide his disdain. “C’mon, even for someone as Hollywood B-Movie as you, that’s a little clichéd, don’t you think?”
    A bright flare of anger erupted in Abaddon’s cerulean eyes and The Mouse felt his skin grow hot, as though he’d stepped too close to an open fire. “I forgot about the Australian sense of humour—dry, caustic. And your lack of respect for those in power.” His handsome face seemed to shimmer and for a split second, the chiselled features blurred into a mask of hideously bestial structure. “ Your life is not the sweetener, my friend. The very delectable Ms O’Lauchlan’s life, on the other hand…”
    The Mouse gave Abaddon a flat stare, his blood growing cold. “Why should I care about the life of a cop? Especially one who’s caused me no end of trouble?”
    Abaddon’s mouth stretched into a broad grin, pointed fangs flashing between parted lips. “You tell me…Flynn Marsters.”
    Flynn clenched his jaw. “You seem to have all the answers, Abaddon. So let’s hear some of them.”
    Abaddon gave him a smug grin. “Such as?”
    “How do you know who I am?”
    The fangs flashed again. “I have not spent the last century in the Ninth Level of Hell without learning a thing or two about those with sin in their souls. And your soul is very, very sinful, Mr Marsters.”
    Flynn ground his molars together. “You’re behind the times, Abaddon. I’m retiring.”
    “But not before you retrieve what I want.”
    “What’s so special about it?”
    Abaddon’s grin faded and Flynn’s skin prickled with heat again. “It contains something very important to me. Something taken unfairly.”
    “Contains? In a diamond? What?”
    “She is quite remarkable, Ms O’Lauchlan,” Abaddon casually stated, nodding at Katrina’s back as—finally—she disappeared in the crowd. “A Kat worthy of attention.”
    Every muscle in Flynn’s body coiled. “Stay away from her, Abaddon. You may not be human, but that won’t stop me bringing down a whole world of hurt on you if you don’t.”
    “When the Daemon Moon is in my possession than I will have no further need for the good officer.” Blue eyes flared with a dark fire. “I must admit though, I am almost conflicted. She is, as I said, quite addictive.”
    Something close to fear squeezed Flynn’s heart. “And how would you know?”
    “Her lips are like honeyed velvet, are they not?” Abaddon chuckled, fixing Flynn with a knowing look. “And her desires run dark and deep. Just the way I like them. It is rare to find a woman of such inner strength who longs to be dominated so.”
    Flynn’s nails cut into his palms as he curled his fists.