Page 84 of Claimed By a King

Our moment is ruined when my stomach lets out a loud growl.

“Time to feed the princess,” Gray chuckles as he gets up. “Do you want to eat here? Or maybe you’d like to come downstairs?”

I take my time pondering his question. On the one hand, I’m happy being secluded here in our room. But on the other, I want to see everyone else, and at least try to create a new normalcy.

Sighing, I get up as well. “Downstairs,” I think. Then I frown as I look down at myself. “But I need a shower.”

Gray smirks. “I wasn’t going to say anything, but yeah, you do. Alana can’t keep giving you sponge baths like she’s done all week.”

I pretend to be outraged by his words, and mock frown at him all while smiling so widely it hurts. It’s a short reprieve from all the fear and negativity, but a welcome one. To act like we’re back to normal, even for a short time.

After making sure I’m ready to leave the bedroom, Gray opens the door. “I should have known,” he grumbles as he walks into the living area.

“Known what?” I ask. Since I’m behind him, I don’t know what he’s talking about.

“There you are,” a female voice says. “I was wondering if we were going to have to smoke you two out.”

Stepping around Gray, my eyes fall on Mama C as she sits on the couch, acting like she owns the damn thing.

“For fuck’s sake, Cara,” Gray says. “Ever heard of knocking?”

She just shrugs. “I have, but I can’t say I’m fond of doing it in a house I helped renovate and decorate,” she says pointedly at Gray. Standing, she puts down the magazine she was flipping through. “Anyway, this isn’t about you. I’m here for Zoe. So if you could give us some space, I won’t have to kick your ass.”

Ignoring her, Gray turns to me. “I did not set this up, I swear,” he murmurs for my ears only. “And if you want her gone, I’ll tell her to fuck off. You and me, Zo. Don’t forget that.”

“No, it’s okay,” I whisper back. “It’s good that she’s here.”

By now, exhaustion and vertigo is hitting me hard. I know I need a shower, but I’m honestly not sure I can do it by myself. And since she’s here, I’ll welcome Mama’s help. I would prefer Alana, but I’ve already laid enough claim on her time. Besides, anyone but Gray would do. I can’t let him see my scars. Not yet, and maybe not ever.

A shiver runs through me, making me tremble at the thought of what I’ll see in the mirror. While I stayed with Irina, I did my best not to look too closely at the countless marks Gunner made on my body.

Teeth marks, and the branding… fuck, the branding.

As Mama comes closer, Gray moves over to the couch and sits down. Despite the space separating us, I know he’s watching me like a hawk, which makes me feel better.

“How are you doing, Z?” Mama C asks, concern coating her tone.

Rather than answering her question that doesn’t have an easy answer, I state, “I need a shower.”

“Okay,” she says. If she’s confused by my change of topic, she isn’t letting on. “I take it, you want my help with that?”

“Please,” I whisper.

She nods and rolls her shoulders back, a look of determination flashing in her eyes. “Your bathroom has tiles, right?”

Before I can answer, Gray speaks up. “Yes. But the one downstairs—”

“No, it’s fine,” she says, cutting him off. “I can do it.”

I look between them as they share a look. Though I hate feeling left out, that’s not why my eyes dance from one to the other like I’m watching a ping-pong match.

“Do tiles bother you?” I ask, trying to piece it together.

She forces a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Not as much as they used to. You won’t believe how much a good dicking and earth-shattering orgasms help turn the worst shit in your mind into pleasant memories.”

I get the feeling that she’s chosen those words specifically for me, like she’s trying to tell me something without saying it outright. But just the thought of sex has my stomach churning.

“So you’ll help me?” I ask, eager to get off the subject of dicks.

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