Page 19 of The King's Boy

It was pretty small, but maybe that is what I needed. All the locals knew my aunt by name, and me by association. They could also spot an out-of-towner at a hundred paces. They would know if someone showed up in town to try and take me out.

If I wanted to make it to the safety of Cathlamet, I first needed to make it out of here, and the possibilities of that didn't look real good. I had no idea who had taken a shot at me, where they were, or even if they were still hunting me. Hell, I didn't even know if I had been the real target or just caught in the crossfire.

I wasn't waiting around to find out.

Movement. I needed movement. It was harder to hit a moving target. I'd seen that in a movie. I couldn't believe I was taking advice from a movie, but it was all I had right now.

I darted across the street to the alley. I was heading away from the front of the coffee shop where I had been sitting when the window shattered. If I kept myself between buildings, maybe they could impede the sight of whoever might be searching for me.

I ran several blocks before I decided to take a break. It wasn't easy running in three-inch spiked heels, even if I looked damn good doing it.

I still needed to get the hell out of Dodge...or New York City.

Same thing.

The sound of something hitting the wall beside my head and shards of brick hitting me in the cheek sent me running again just as fast as my three-inch heels could carry me.

So, it hadn't been a mistaken crossfire. Someone was definitely after me.

I ran faster.

Unfortunately, I ran out into the open, but I didn't realize it until a window next to me shattered. I wasn't sure if the person shooting at me had really bad aim or if they were just toying with me.

Could they be trying to herd me somewhere?

My mind was flooded with fear sending icy spindles of panic down my spine. My chest ached from my heavy rapid panting. My feet were killing me.

I needed to invest in tennis shoes.

As I darted across a street, I heard a horn honk. I was suddenly stopped as I barreled into the side of a fancy looking black car. I had no idea what kind it was beyond huge.

I didn't care.

The guy behind the steering wheel laid on the horn again before waving his hand at me. He obviously wanted me to move. Moving was good, but I had a better idea.

Instead of standing back from the vehicle—and the angry guy behind the wheel—I darted toward the passenger side door. This might get me killed, but staying on the street could, too.

The front door was locked so I moved to the back door. I yanked it open and dove inside just as the vehicle started moving.

"Go! Go! Go!" I shouted as I sank down onto the floor.

"Spencer?"

I turned wide eyes toward the man that had spoken and almost let out a snort. "Your highness."

Figures he would pop up now.

Chapter Seven

~ King ~

I was shocked into immobility as I stared down at the man I had been searching for over these last few weeks. I couldn't believe he was suddenly here, and in such a random way.

A small chuckle from the man pulled me from my shock. "Spencer."

"Your highness."

I called it a win when I didn't snarl. Instead, I reached down and helped Spencer into the seat next to me. "What happened to you?" As good as he looked, he was still all sweaty and flushed. "What are you doing here? Why did you jump into my car?"