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everyone keep
laughing at me?
    “I broke it off over twenty years ago.” He
wiped his eyes, amusement gone as fast as it came. “You weren’t
even born yet.”
    “That’s weird… I mean…” My thoughts
scrambled. Why was Ula so upset about him? Did she still love him?
“Why did you break up with her?”
    “She is not powerful.” His tone was
matter-of-fact. “I need a partner who can help me rule, not one who
needs protection.”
    “That’s cruel,” I said. “Doesn’t love
matter?”
    He shrugged. “You think like a human.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean? I am a
human!” I seethed. He had a way of getting beneath my skin. What
was the matter with me? Why was he affecting me so much?
    My bracelet! Brigid had my bracelet.
    Kieran saw me glance at my wrist. “I’m not
doing anything to you right now. If that’s what you’re
wondering.”
    “How’d you know I was thinking that?” I
searched his eyes. Was he lying? Was he reading my thoughts? “How
can I trust you?”
    He lifted his shoulder with indifference,
and his muscles rippled. I wished he wouldn’t do that. “You can
take my word or not, but I’m telling you the truth.”
    I resisted the urge to touch my lips when
the memory of him kissing me breathless returned with a vengeance.
It was the first and only time I betrayed Evan. He forgave me, and
we moved past it. Our relationship was stronger than ever, but I
had not expected to see Kieran again so soon. Or maybe ever.
    “Did you do it then?” I asked, thinking
about that night. That kiss. “Did you persuade me?”
    His gaze grew hot, and his smile bitter. “It
would make it easier for you if I said yes, wouldn’t it?” Though
flames engulfed my cheeks, I held my head high and waited. One
second, two… then, “I didn’t, Meara. Honest.”
    My breath caught. I turned to go, but he
clasped my arm. His touch was gentle.
    “Don’t be angry,” he said. “I won’t try
anything again. I promise.”
    Those were the words I wanted to hear, so
why did I feel so disappointed? It wasn’t going to be easy with
Kieran around. “How long are you staying?”
    “That depends.”
    “On—”
    “How quickly you learn.” He grinned at me.
“I’m here to teach you.”
    “You… what?” He caught me off guard. I
didn’t know what I was expecting him to say, but this wasn’t it.
All I could think to ask was, “Does my dad know?”
    “He’s the one who requested me.” Amusement
rang in his voice and slid down my back like nails on a chalkboard.
My dad asked him to teach me? What was he thinking? Ula told him
about Kieran and the dance club. My dad and I were going to have a
little talk later.
    “Why you?” I blurted.
    “I’m young. I’m strong.” He leaned in and
whispered, “And I’m much more personable than Brigid.”
    I couldn’t argue with him on that, but I
wasn’t backing down. “Ula helps me.”
    His teasing expression softened. “Yes, she
would. Unfortunately, she’s not very strong or well versed in your
gifts.”
    “How would you know?” I asked. “What gifts?”
I didn’t even know what I could do. Did he know more than I
did?
    “I can feel it. Your potential.” Once again,
he leaned in. He breathed deep, as if he could smell it on me. “You
will be very powerful one day.”
    My heart raced with his words. I didn’t know
if it was fear or anticipation. What kind of powers would I
have?
    “If I’m so powerful, why am I still standing
in wet clothes? For that matter, why are you?” I laughed to hide my
nervousness.
    It didn’t work. He smiled at me indulgently.
“You will be powerful; you just need to learn to use your powers.
Which is why I’m here.” He gestured to my clothes. “As to your wet
clothes, just visualize yourself dry. It’s that easy.”
    I did as he said and felt much more
comfortable.
    “As to why I’m still wet…” His hand swept
past his chest and down his washboard stomach. I swallowed. When he
laughed, my eyes flew to