Page 179 of Claimed By a King

The grin he gives me is more teeth than anything, but I get it. That’s how I feel as well. There’s nothing to smile about. Not when we’re about to reclaim our fucking home and commit pesticide.

“I fucking pinky promise.”

Gray pulls me in for another toe-curling kiss. I can taste the desperation and anger on his tongue, and I whimper as I suck it into my mouth, swallowing it. I know that’s not how it works, but I can’t help but feel like the small act might lessen his burden, even if it’s just a little.

“One more thing,” he whispers against my lips. “It’s you and me to the end. But when we walk through those doors,I’m your fucking Prez. You don’t have to like it as long as you follow my orders.”

I fully understand what he’s trying so hard not to say. “I know,” I murmur.

The truth is that even though Gray hasn’t left my side apart from reluctantly letting me go to the bathroom by myself, we both know that’s no way to live. I haven’t pushed him on it since I’ve needed the security from his constant presence as much as he’s needed to have eyes on me at all times.

Despite that, he can’t protect and lead his club while also constantly worrying about me. So for this, for what comes next, I need to cooperate. There’s another reason as well, one I won’t tell him. If Gunner’s behavior has taught me anything, it’s how deep his obsession runs.

I’m pretty sure he won’t show himself as long as I’m surrounded by the Kings, least of all Gray. So if we’re ever to hope to smoke him out, I’ll have to be the bait. Again. And just like last time, I’m not telling Gray the full truth—or at least, what I suspect to be that. If I do, there’s no way he’ll do what he must.

All those thoughts run through my head in the short time it takes to walk through the doors. The Kings that stayed behind all look in our direction when Gray violently slams them open.

Everyone, bar the ones on guard duty and the two left at Dirty Diamonds, are gathered in the main room. Their eyes are bloodshot and they look like they’re in desperate need of several hours of sleep.

“Sup?” Munroe asks, his gaze flicking between us. The second he notices the anger on Gray’s face, he pulls himself up so he’s standing straight. “What’s happening?”

“We have a fucking rat problem,” Gray sneers.

I arch a brow when Tex casually reaches for the rifle he hides under the bar. “Do tell,” he says as he swings it over his shoulder.

Knowing this is for Gray to explain, I suck my lips between my teeth to stop myself from blurting out what he still hasn’tsaid. I don’t know if he isn’t noticing the suspicious looks his brothers are sending each other, but I wish he’d just hurry the fuck up and set the record straight.

“Gunner’s in the building,” Gray growls, like he heard my thoughts. “I don’t fucking know where. But it’s safe to assume he can hear everything we’re saying.”

Now that we’re here, my bravado is beginning to falter. I can’t let that stop him from doing what he has to do, though. So I roll my shoulders back and straighten my spine in an attempt to look unfazed.

“Fuck no,” Munroe roars. He reaches for his gun. “This ain’t a place for rats.”

As one, they all let loose a string of curses, while readying themselves for the battle that’s in the air.

Gray turns to me. “Where do you want to be?”

For a moment, I consider telling him it doesn’t matter since I know Gunner will come to me. But I keep the words inside, trusting Gray will stay close.

“Here,” I say, gesturing at the room. “It’s as good a place as any.”

His brows shoot up his forehead. “Are you sure? What about the apartment?”

I shake my head. “It doesn’t really matter. He’s already proven he can move around freely. Besides, if he really has eyes on us, I’d rather not waste time trying to find the perfect hiding place. Especially not in a place that used to be his home.”

“My brave princess,” Gray rasps. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

He pulls me in and places a chaste kiss on my cheek, but that’s not what’s surprising me. It’s his hand as it slips under my shirt and I feel the cold touch of metal against my skin.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” he says. Then he turns toward his brothers. “Gunner isn’t the only one who knows this place like the back of his fucking hand. We’ll split into two groups.” He keeps talking as they file out of the room, but the farther away they get, the harder it becomes to hear them.

Panic grips me, making my blood run cold when the door swings closed. It’s like a realization of dread knowing I’m all alone. Except… I’m not. I might not know where Gunner is, but I can feel his fucking eyes on me.

Or maybe I can’t… it’s possible that’s only in my head. Knowing that does nothing to ease the growing tension in my stomach.

Without thinking, I walk behind Tex’s new, precious bar and pour myself a drink. I don’t even look at the label on the bottle, or the color of the liquid in the glass I empty in one. The burn that follows is just what I need, as it gives me something else to focus on.

As I pour myself a second drink, I feel the air shift. Goosebumps spread across my skin, and every hair on my body stands at attention.

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