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August cleared his throat. “I have some cuts and bruises I need you to kiss better. There’s one on my co–”
“We’re fine,” Atticus said, cutting him off. “I’m so fucking sorry, Christine. I had no idea my father was planning that.”
I stroked his cheek. “It’s okay. We’re all going to be okay now.”
“We got you some clothes and toiletries. Also got cash, a car, and a place to stay for a little while,” he murmured against my ear. A shiver ran through me as I felt his breath on my skin.
“Who did you see?” I breathed, leaning in closer to him.
“Hudson. He said he’s proud of you, by the way.”
A smile curled at the corners of my mouth as I looked back into his eyes. “He was probably lying. Hudson isn’t impressed by anyone.”
“I’m impressed by you,” he purred seductively. Atticus’s lips lingered on my neck. Leo stepped closer, brushing his knuckles up against my bare arm. He set a cup of coffee down in front of me, then tenderly kissed the top of my head.
August cleared his throat, drawing my attention away from the others. “My mother had a safe house off the coast. It’s a day’s drive, but far enough away that we can come up with a game plan. It’s also off the grid. Only a handful of people know about it.”
“Are you sure she didn’t tell Theodore about it? I’m worried they were closer than we thought,” I whispered.
August sighed. “She didn’t tell him. I’m certain of it. Only Adonis and me know about it.”
I could feel the tension in the room too thick to cut with a knife. All I could think about were the possibilities if we did leave for the safe house—a place of our own to explore and discover ourselves. I looked up slowly from my cup and finally spoke. “Sounds perfect. When do we leave?”
Leo opened his mouth, his voice forming a harsh command.
“Now. Get dressed. The longer we stay here, the more danger we are in.”
I reluctantly uncoiled from Atticus’s arms and stood up. Scanning the room, I noticed the clothes and shoes that had been gathered for me, their fabric rolled into neat bundles at the foot of the bed. I moved toward them and picked them up. They were slightly too large for me, but that didn’t matter. I wanted to be able to move freely, unrestricted by tightness.
Once dressed, I grabbed a gun from on the bedside table. It was cold, heavy, and familiar in my hands. Its metal handle nestled comfortably against my skin as I tucked it into my waistband—it felt right to be back in my element again.
“Let’s roll,” Leo growled. The ominous black SUV loomed outside. Atticus opened the driver’s door, and Leo clambered in the passenger seat. August and I climbed in the back.
“Fill me in,” I said, my voice quivering with worry. “How many points of entry? How many neighbors? I need to be…prepared.”
August nodded curtly. “It’s a safe house, built and maintained by my mother. State of the art security system, fully stocked. It’s an old house on a remote island, only one way on and off, making it easy to survey. Leo’s mother and sister are already there. Atticus arranged for them to go there.”
Leo shot Atticus a glance before turning back to face me.
“And who else?” I asked hesitantly.
“That’s it,” August responded grimly. “Adonis escaped during the raid and went to stay with his daughter in Kenzington. Broke his arm while fleeing though.”
My heart plummeted at his words. Atticus and Leo exchanged a worried glance before driving onto a dirt road, away from the castle and all its dangers.
Atticus hesitated, almost terrified of what he had to say. “My father is livid,” he choked out. “He told everyone that August has kidnapped you, and the entire court is on edge. Since the lords swore their allegiance to you yesterday, the entire kingdom is on the lookout for their queen.”
I spun toward August, my heart racing as I took in his expression. “Oh my God. Are you alright?”
August grabbed me and brought me into a tight embrace, his hand protectively wrapped around my waist. “It’s fine.” He smiled, trying to comfort me. “I’m used to being the villain anyways. And plus, snatching the queen has its perks.”
My insides tingled as I pressed a light kiss onto his cheek. “Perks?” I whispered, relishing in the closeness of us.
A slight grin graced his lips as he proposed a plan. “Oh, yes. For example, we have a long car ride to the coast, and I’m going to make these two assholes listen to me get you off a dozen times.”
I wanted to be thrilled by that idea, but my eyes flashed to Leo, who was gripping the armrest so hard his knuckles were white. I could see the battle waging in his expression—his hesitation was palpable, yet his desire was undeniable. This had to be a trial for him, accepting our group dynamic, yet I wasn’t about to back down. I uncoiled from my seat and leaned into him, whispering in his ear. “Are you up for it, Leo?”
I could see his pulse racing beneath his skin. His muscles tensed and relaxed. He let out a slow breath and turned toward me, his eyes glinting with lust. “Yes, my queen,” he hissed.
