Page 14 of Locke

“Can you believe this shit?”

“Yeah, I can. It’s Gunner. He’s just worried about you, Kiki. He’s being a little more cautious now that you’re back. Go talk to him. I’m sure you can work something out.”

“Have you met the man?” I ask her with a slight smile. I know how hardheaded Gunner is.

“I have. Which is why I think you should talk to him. He might change his mind,” she tells me. I sigh before I nod my head. Maybe she’s right. Maybe if I tell him what I’m feeling, he will let me find something else.

I toss the rag onto the counter before walking out of the kitchen and straight up the stairs. I stop and knock when I reach his office.

“Come in,” he calls out as I grab the doorknob and take a deep breath. I push the door open and step inside to see him sitting athis desk, the king that he is. It makes me proud to see him like this. He’s a great President and always has been.

“Hey, darlin’. You okay?” he asks.

“I get why you don’t want me working there. I do, but I need to do something to earn money.”

“I’ll pay you. That’s not even an issue.” I release a slow breath, knowing this isn’t going to go my way, and there’s no way in hell I’m going to start a tantrum and act like a baby in front of him.

“Okay. Can I use a car? I want to do a little shopping.” Maybe I can get out of here using that as an excuse. I can’t be stuck in this clubhouse all the time. It will drive me insane.

“I’ll have one of the guys take you,” he offers.

“Are you fucking kidding me right now?”

“No. I’m not.”

“I’m not a baby!”

“I didn’t say you were. There’s some shit goin’ down right now, and until I can figure it out and get it handled, you aren’t goin’ out alone. None of the girls are,” he informs me. Shit. Whatever it is must be bad if I’m not the only one.

“Fine. I’m leaving in an hour. Don’t send me with a jackass, either. I’m not in the mood,” I tell him. He nods his head as I turn and head for the door, listening to him chuckle behind me. I’m glad this is funny for him. I just wanted a little time to myself, but I guess that isn’t going to happen.

“Hey, Kiki?”

“Yeah?” I ask, looking over my shoulder at him. The man who raised me as his own.

“I’m glad you’re back.”

“Me too, Dad.” He smiles at me, and I return his smile before I head down the stairs and into my room. It doesn’t take me long to change into something I can be seen in public wearing and head back toward the door.

That’s when I noticed Remy coming my way.

“You ready?”

“Are you taking me?” I ask, hopefully. He smiles and shakes his head.

“I wish I could follow a little hot ass like you around all day, but I can’t. I have shit to do. Locke is takin’ you.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Locke is takin’ you.”

“You can’t do that to me.”

“What’s wrong with Locke?” he laughs.

“What isn’t wrong with him? He’s … moody.” Remy laughs louder this time.

“He always hates shoppin’, so this should make for a good time,” he tells me.

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