Page 37 of Claimed By a King

With the promise of Leslie’s present and some fresh air, I’ve been giddy most of the week. A model captive all week. Every single thing he’s demanded, I’ve given without once complaining. So when he looks at me now, I’m sure it’s the same happiness he sees.

And yes, part of it is the present. The bigger part is my freedom. I already know that the first thing I’m going to do is return to Dirty Diamonds. If the Kings aren’t there anymore, Cain will know where they’re hiding, and can take me there. I need to see the Kings and Cunts for myself, otherwise I’ll never believe they’re okay.

If Gray was still alive, I’d stay with them forever. But without him around, I might move to another country to get a new start. I’ll ask Alana if she wants to join me, but since she’s been a Cunt forever, I already know she won’t want to leave. Plus, she has Slasher to think about.

Whatever I decide, it’ll be what I want to do. Not something orchestrated by someone who has no business forcing me to do anything.

Freedom, here I come.

The sun blinds me as soon as I step outside. I close my eyes as they slowly get used to the natural light. A laugh escapes me as I feel the warm rays on my skin.

Living in Santa Cruz I’ve never given the sun much thought. It’s another part of my life that I’ve taken for granted. Right now I can feel it like never before. Feel my skin absorb the rays and the warmth that follows.

“Move your ass, Sugar.”

Eager to get to the stables, I follow Gunner while promising myself I’ll move somewhere sunny and never again take the sun for granted. I’ll take up outdoorsy activities or something. Yes, maybe I’ll get a big garden and fill it with beautiful flowers. Or get into hiking so I never again have to just sit and twiddle my thumbs inside.

I’m surprised when Gunner leads me over to a yellow school bus. He doesn’t offer me any explanation as he knocks on the door, and it swings open.

“Ready, Noose?” Gunner asks the guy at the wheel.

He smiles widely. “Born ready, VP.” He does this weird kind of salute that draws attention to the stupid hat he’s wearing. “Even dressed the part,” he deadpans.

I’ve never seen another school bus driver wear a hat, but since I’ve only taken the bus a handful of times, I wouldn’tknow if it’s out of place. Maybe it’s specific for the local school here, in which case he’ll fit right in.

The logo on his chest reads Santa Cruz Elementary, the white standing out against his black short-sleeved shirt.

“Right,” Gunner says, interrupting my staring. “Take us toward the school, and then swing left at—”

Noose growls under his breath. “I know the fucking drill, man. Just get in the back so we can get going.”

After telling Noose exactly where to stick his attitude, Gunner drags me to the back and tells me to lie down across the seat. He then stretches across the floor, so we can’t be seen from outside the windows.

During the drive, he keeps a hand in my hair like he’s making sure I don’t pop up and… well I don’t fucking know what I could even do. It’s not like armed or special forces are looking for me, stopping every vehicle to see if I’m hidden in the backseat. So even if I banged enough on the window to get someone’s attention, they wouldn’t know who I am.

The drive takes about an hour and a half, which I’m sure involves multiple detours. Once we pull to a stop, Gunner slides up next to me.

“Empty your pockets,” he rasps.

I roll my eyes, immediately knowing that was stupid. To cover my slight, I playfully bump my shoulder against his. “Why don’t you just cop a feel to see if I’m hiding something?” I deliberately make my tone sultry.

Taking the bait, Gunner pushes me to my feet. He wastes no time sliding his hands along the denim skirt I’m wearing, squeezing my ass hard as he searches the back pockets. Of course there’s nothing there, which is very much on purpose.

Not trusting his lack of findings, he moves his hands under my top. He stiffens when he reaches my bra, specifically the front clasp holding the cups together.

“What’s this?” he growls as he rips the red lipstick from where I hid it.

“Gunner,” I scold. “Be careful with that. It wasexpensive.”

My offensiveness works like a charm, making him blink in surprise. “Ehh…” He trails off, swallowing harshly before speaking again. “Why are you hiding it?”

“Hiding it?” I scoff. “Look at this skirt, Gunner. I can’t fucking walk around with a lipstick bulge when it’s so tight. That would look stupid, and you know I want to look my best for you.”

The words taste sour on my tongue, but they work like a charm. He nods to himself and gives me back the lipstick, the only thing I brought.

All week I was agonizing about what to do, how to get a note to Chris without tipping off Gunner. I knew he’d search me, and find whatever I might try hiding. That only left me one option, be disarmingly obvious so he wouldn’t do more than scratch the surface.

A guy like Gunner will never think of a lipstick like a tool, or realize it can be used to write a note. Not a long one and definitely not prettily, but that hardly matters. It’s enough to scribble a few words on some toilet paper.

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