She took advantage of my hesitance to shove them deep into her pocket before levelling me with a devious grin. “Finder’s keepers. You’re welcome to go searching if you’d like, but I can’t make any promises about what else you might find.”
“You’re a sicko,” I scoffed, snatching my clean thong off of the bed before she could get any more ideas.
This whole stunt was supposed to be flustering her, but I couldn’t help it. Her flirting, her cockiness, the way her hungry eyes roamed my body unapologetically: it sent a surge of excitement through my chest that I couldn’t quite understand.
The only time I’d felt something remotely like this was with old boyfriends, and even that paled in comparison.
In all fairness, the only people I’ve been this naked in front of were old boyfriends.
Making note to sift through that feeling later, I pulled on the leggings, grabbed a tanktop from the drawer, and then hid my traitorous body beneath the baggy green sweater. “You ready to go?”
“Born ready.” She grinned, popping off of the bed. As she crossed the threshold, she reached for her bag, which she’d tucked behind the doorframe, and fished something out. “For you.”
I furrowed my brows as I grabbed the navy trucker hat from her hands. Across the front in a vintage serif font were the wordsLucky Strike. “What’s this for?”
“To cover-up that red halo of yours.”
“Should I be offended?” I scoffed. I had half a mind to throw the hat right back in her face.
But she shook her head. “Taking you out of the house is trouble enough. I don’t need to increase the odds of anyone actually recognizing you.”
“That’s ridiculous.” I crossed my arms. “First of all, this hat isn’t covering up anything. Second of all, no one is going to spare me a second glance.”
“I beg to differ, Bunny. You’re not the type of pretty that goes unnoticed in public.”
Heat crept up my cheeks, but before I could stammer out a reply, Spencer grasped the doorframe, tilting her head lower to intercept my gaze. “Please? It would make me feel a lot better.”
“...Fine.” I grumbled, shoving on the cap and brushing past her through the door. After the early wake up call and all of her other stunts, I shouldn’t have felt so generous. But Spencer could charm her way out of any problem. It was a skill I’d have to be wary of moving forward.
“Atta girl,” Spence grinned, picking up her pace to pass me as we reached the stairs.
I knocked into her side, bumping her against the banister as I plodded down to the landing. “No cutting in line.”
“Competitive.” She laughed, bringing up the rear. “Alright, I’ll let you have it. But let’s see if you’re still a little speed demon once I’m in control.”
31
KIERA
Once we were downstairs,Spencer pulled the Suzuki around to the front of the house. Its low rumble was far more intimidating in the light of day.
Sure, I'd ridden on it the night she’d whisked me away to their castle. But I was drunk, angry, and fueled by adrenaline. It was all simpler then: get on the bike or be stuck with Gabriel for the rest of my life.
But now the bike’s bright blue patches and growling engine felt more like a threat than an invitation.
Before Spencer could realize I was having second thoughts about our field trip, I grabbed the spare helmet she’d set on the back of the bike. She must have known I’d relent on the trucker cap, because this one was different than the other helmet I’d worn.
Instead of the full face shield and visor, this one was open in the front, leaving enough space for the bill of the hat to poke out.
Once the helmet was secured in place, I felt a little more comfortable with my ability to hide my doubts.
Ineededthis outing. Despite being in a literal mansion, the house felt as stuffy as any other after a few days locked inside.
With her own helmet in place, Spencer patted the rear seat with her now-gloved hand. My mind flashed back to those same hands beating the shit out of Gabe before pulling me onto the back of the bike, and my stomach tightened.
“Hop on, Bunny.” I knew underneath her mask that she winked at me, flashing that charming smile for sure.
Spencer’s extended leg tensed, keeping the bike balanced as I hopped onto the back.
