Chapter Nine.

Declan looked at the men before him, fifteen of them. They were all in dark shades and their faces were expressionless 

"Step back!" One of them ordered again. Declan assumed he was their leader. Declan's fist clenched at his effrontery. They were wasting his time and that was enough to piss him off. 

"Where is she?" He relaxed his fist and asked casually. He was going to ask them just once. 

"Leave now while we're still nice" 

The leader warned, shoving one side of his blazer open to flash a black pistol. 

Declan smirked. It's been a while since he got challenged. He looked at all of their fifteen faces and already knew how to handle them. They outnumbered him, but he undoubtedly outmatched them.

In a split second, Declan moved swiftly and grabbed the leader by his neck with his left elbow before he knew it. His right hand pressed the leader's gun on his head. 

"One move from any of you and he would be as gone as yesterday" Declan warned the other subordinates whose guns pointed at his direction now. 

They aimed at him in silence, waiting for an order from their leader. The veins on the leader's head had become visible. He struggled to breath but Declan pressed harder against his neck. His face was red and more veins flashed. 

"You know what to do" Declan whispered in his ears, tugging him tighter with his elbow. The leader tried to talk but gasped for air instead. He tapped on both sides of Declan's leg. But Declan didn't budge, rather he pressed harder. He just needed one word from him. 

"Cl—ear" The leader managed to say and his colleagues pulled their guns down instantly. He dropped on the floor and they all ran to hold him. 

Declan rushed upstairs taking the stairs in twos. He was prepared to encounter  more guards up there. He can't promise to be as lenient as he was with the first group. 

He arrived at the top floor that contained all VIP suites. He kicked the  first door open but met no one. The second and third rooms fell empty till the fifth door. They had all opened at one kick. 

The next door opened before his kick landed 

"What are you doing here?" Clara growled surprised to see Declan. 

Seeing her, Declan knew she was up to no good.

"Where's she?" He tried to enter the room but someone else emerged and blocked him out. 

"You...." Declan was surprised to see May's younger sister, Ashley. What bothered him most was how May was in danger and both of them seemed perfect. 

"What have you two done with her?" Declan's demeanor was cold and threatening. 

"Nothing she will regret.... with time. Your time in her life is over Declan. Catch a break!" Clara's lipstick made her mouth appear pouted as she spoke. 

"I will ask for the very last time. Where is May!" Declan was furious. Rage flashed through his eyes and that seemed to scare Clara abit. Ashley had disappeared into the room in cower. 

"Her whereabouts are none of your business Declan. Stay out of our lives!"

"You're a coward. What have you done with her? I'm still being nice, don't—"

"You really want to know where she is?" Asher spoke from behind. "She's somewhere having the best moment of her life. And you know what makes it awesome? Our lives will never remain the same after today."

"What do you mean?" 

"Simply put. She gave what she had for what we wanted. Something she's been giving your oozy self for free all these while." Ashley yucked in disgust. 

"Since you won't tell me where she's, I will go in there and find her myself. But I warn you, do not try to stop me. I may not be able to hold back from harming you both." His warning was clear and stern and it sent chills down Clara's skin. She knew Declan well enough to not take him seriously. His rage shot flashed in a way she had never seen before. 

"Don't you dare,you bastard!" She threatened,trying to keep her composure.

"No!!!"

A scream from a room two doors away pierced the air.

 "May!"