Page 74 of The Prom

“I’m sorry, but what the hell is this club the principal has formed?”

“Hell is the right word, darlin’. If you thought The Claiming was depraved, step inside Principal Constable’s mind while she takes a bow. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Imogen leans back heavily in her seat. “Why did this woman save you? I still don’t understand.”

“Because she sees me as her ticket out of hell and wanted to save me from falling further into the abyss with her. She needs a hand out of there, and I would be better equipped to deal with that from the outside.”

“So, you’re sending her to the compound, right?”

Imogen’s voice is firm and my heart softens. “Of course. I must have a conversation with Ryder first, who, as we know, will be preparing her room at the end of it, but first we must use her information to tear this organization apart from the inside.”

Imogen nods and reaches for my hand. “Then tell me how I can help.”

“Enjoy the prom. That’s all I want you to do, and that requires treating every drink you are given as spiked, accepting no invitations to step outside and spending time with your friends and not leaving them for a minute. If I know you are safe, I can deal with this shit.”

“That’s it?”

She sounds disappointed.

“Yes, darlin’. That’s it.”

She changes the subject. “So, where are we heading?”

“Cripple Creek.”

“But that’s–”

“Two hours away.”

I sigh. “It’s far enough to give us some privacy and take a break from this shit and if it’s okay with you, I want us to spend the entire day locked in a hotel room.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

Her soft laughter is enough to reassure me and as we head toward Cripple Creek, we leave our problems behind us. They can wait. Theworldcan wait because all I want now is to spend much needed time with my woman.

THIRTY-FIVE

IMOGEN

This is exactly what we both need. A day with no problems or complications, just time with each other.

After a pleasant journey chatting shit about everything other than the situation at Rockwell, I know more about Drake than I do any of my new friends at the academy.

We spoke about our childhood, his time in the military. What music he likes and his favorite food and color. We are also compatible star signs, which he dismissed as having no meaning at all, which didn’t surprise me. Reapers deal in fact, not fantasy, but I’m a believer in the stars and their meaning.

By the time we arrive at Mountain Valley Hotel, my anticipation has built to desperation.

Drake is my drug and I’m craving a shot and even the smirk on the receptionist’s face doesn’t concern me as she hands us the room card.

“You’re on the second floor overlooking the mountain. The elevator is through the double doors.”

Drake slips her a wink, and I’m amused at the blush that stains her face as she watches us make our way to our room. As soon as we step into the elevator, Drake reaches for my hand andgrins. “I’m a selfish prick, but I want you to myself today. It’s not very romantic bringing you here, but I want privacy.”

“It’s perfect.”

The lust gleaming in his eyes causes my heart to race, and I still can’t believe my luck. I’m in love with a god-damned Reaper and it’s as if I’ve won the state lottery. He is gorgeous inside and out and I trust him one hundred percent. I have no doubts—none at all and as the elevator door slides open, my heart flutters as we head to our room.

“Wow!”I gasp at the sight in front of me as we enter paradise. The room he booked overlooks what appears to be the entire mountain range. It’s breathtaking and the room itself isn’t too shabby, either.

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