Page 66 of Wanted By a King

Leaning forward, he cups my cheek. “I got your back, Sugar. I’ll make sure they understand what happened, and never touch you, or corner you again.”

As soon as his hand touches my skin, I stiffen. Grayson’s volatile outburst still fresh in my mind, I look around to make sure he isn’t nearby.

“You shouldn’t touch me,” I warn Gunner. “I don’t want Grayson to come after you again.”

Gunner just laughs. “I’m a big boy, Sugar. I can take care of myself.”

I burst out laughing as he holds his arms up, flexing in Popeye fashion.

This, right now, is why I should try to spend more time with Gunner. His goofiness and good mood are infectious, and it helps banish all my heavy thoughts.

He chuckles, and unfolds himself from the chair, and I can’t help laughing as he struts inside, making sure to turn around and wink before he rounds the corner.

I stretch lazily and undo the braid holding my hair in place. The long strands dance behind me, swirling in the summer breeze.

Closing my eyes, I let my head fall back to rest against the back of the chair. I steadily drum my fingers against the armrest, creating a rhythm that matches my heartbeat.

I don’t get to sit alone for long. The shadow looming over me alerts me to Grayson’s arrival.

“Princess,” he rasps.

I open my eyes just as he crouches down in front of me.

“Go away,” I mutter, doing my best to look anywhere but directly at him.

Right now, he’s the last person I want to see.

“No,” he says, a smile palpable in his low, husky tone. “We have things to discuss.”

Shaking my head, I look beyond him. At Gunner, who’s explaining something to the Cruz Cunts. Despite the amiable smile on his face, they look wary, scared almost. I don’t get it.

“Fine,” I say on a sigh. “You can talk, and if you’re lucky, I’ll listen.”

Grayson rasps, “There she is. My bratty princess.”

God, why do those words make me want to preen? Make me feel… something close to cherished.

“Right, maybe it’s best you’re giving me the silent treatment instead of mouthing off,” he says solemnly.

The swift change in his mood is giving me whiplash, and it’s almost making me sit up straight and look at him. But no, I won’t give him the satisfaction. Right now, I’d bite off my nose just to fucking spite my face.

“Whether you like it or not, you’re here to stay.”

I bristle at the statement, but remain silent.

“So you need to find a way to make it as painless as possible for yourself, Princess.”

My brows shoot up, and I finally look at where he’s still crouching in front of me. “Is that so?” I snark.

He sighs and rakes a hand down his face. “Yes,” he simply says.

“I don’t even want to be here,” I hiss.

Shaking his head, he places his hands on my naked thighs. “Doesn’t matter, Zo. You’re here, and you need to come to terms with that.”

“The fuck I do,” I bite back.

“Have it your way,” he says.

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