Page 108 of Submission

“Hey, Megan.” The driver’s side window lowers, and Parker peeps his head out.

“No one drives me but Parker or Lars. It’s part of how I keep security around me and now you as tight as possible.”

“Of course.”

I’ve never been inside of a limousine before. The buttery, soft leather interior makes me feel like I’m back in the deluxe private plane we took to Paris, gliding us across the streets of the city.

“I stocked the limo with your favorites if you want to snack. Lift that lid right there.”

The limousine has so many compartments that it feels almost like a treasure hunt.

“Ooh, there’s red licorice in here.”

“Yep,” he chuckles.

“What else is there?” I ask eagerly as I open some of the other compartments.

“Check this one,” he tells me, pointing to one at the far side of the limo.

I lift the lid and recognize instantly what’s inside. There’s a square-shaped, light blue box with the word Tiffany embossedand a white ribbon tied around it. I’ve never touched an actual gift from a high-end jeweler, but I’ve seen advertisements for the brand many times.

“What’s this?” I ask softly.

“It’s yours. Open it.”

“I asked for one simple date, not for any of these over-the-top gestures,” I say, suddenly uncomfortable for reasons I don’t even understand myself.

“Everything I do is over the top, Megan. Just open it.”

I untie the ribbon and stuff it in my purse to save. I haven’t received many gifts in my life and don’t want to throw any part of it away, especially because it’s from Hunter.

When I lift the lid, there’s another box inside which I open and find a beautiful, unique bracelet inside that almost takes my breath away. It’s oval-shaped, and one side is gold, and the other side is covered in diamonds.

“This is stunning.”

“Come sit here next to me,” he commands, patting the seat beside him. “It’s called the lock bracelet.” He opens the bracelet and then clicks it in place around my right wrist. “And you should never take it off.”

“Hunter, it’s gorgeous, but this thing is blinding me. Of course, I should take it off. I’m scared to walk around with it on.”

“You’ll be perfectly safe. Promise me you’ll never take it off.”

“But when I paint?”

“That’s why I put it on your right arm. I want you to see it and be reminded of me every time you pick up a paintbrush.”

“Why don’t you pee on me while you’re at it?”

He laughs at my sarcasm as I continue to admire the bracelet. I’ve got to admit, it’s truly a work of art. I’m just not sure that such a pretty piece will go with my closet full of jeans and sweats.

“I think this is a much nicer way to mark my territory, don’t you?”

I admire how the diamonds sparkle under the lights inside the limo. I’m no pro, but I can tell this bracelet must be worth a lot of money.

“How expensive was this, Hunter? I hope you don’t give all of your dates gifts like this. You’ll go bankrupt.”

“Are you going to question the cost of everything we do tonight, Miss Taylor?” He uses an exasperated tone. “Because you know I can afford it, right?”

“Fine.”

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