Luis watched a soap opera just as he’d done every day since he’d been there. It was his only contact with the real world because his room had no telephone or internet access. And the king’s men had taken his cell phone. Maybe Gerome would give it back to him. He didn’t have many friends at home, but the few he had would probably be worried sick or believe he’d run anyway.
Getting his cell phone back would be a great way to have a part of his life back in his hands. Once he found a way to get some money, he could pack his things and run.
Gerome had been very nice, nearly too much, which could mean that he was starting to trust Luis. This was his chance. If Gerome let his guard down, then he could run. The windows in the guest bedroom were too high to try to flee through, and they opened to the inner court, where the possibility of being seen was too great. And leaving Gerome’s suite and attempting to reach the front door wasn’t an option either because the armed guards in the front courtyard also left no chance for flight.
If they ever allowed him to leave the palace on his own, then he could run. It was the only chance.
Luis ran a hand through his long hair. All these months he’d dreamed of running away, leaving all this shit behind, and suddenly, he might really have the opportunity. He stared at the TV without seeing anything. He’d have to hide, be on the run constantly, but it was better than sitting here day in and day out doing nothing. If he weren’t already, he’d soon go crazy.
He probably wouldn’t be able to go back to uni. Gerome would certainly look for him there, but even though he loved his art, he could live without it. He could live without nearly everything, if only he were free.
It was time to get a shower before Gerome picked him up. Running away wouldn’t happen today. He needed to gain Gerome’s trust first. Then he could dream of escaping.
****
Gerome knocked on his door at the agreed time. Luis was ready. He’d found some clothes in the closet, and he wore them now. At first, he’d only worn the sweats stashed there, but today he needed something different, so he’d snagged a pair of jeans instead, though they were a size or two too big. He needed to ask Gerome where they came from before he borrowed any more of them.
“Hey. You look good. Do the clothes fit? ” Gerome asked as Luis opened the door.
“Um, yeah, more or less. Why?” Bewildered, Luis stared at Gerome.
“They are for you. My mother had them delivered when you arrived. Didn’t you realize they were for you?”
“No. Not really. I mean, I have—had my own clothes. I just don’t know where they are now.”
“I think in storage. My mother said something about buying you new ones since your clothes weren’t fitting for a prince’s consort.”
Luis ground his teeth. How dare they buy him new clothes! If he needed something new, he was very capable of buying his own stuff. He didn’t need any charity, and as soon as he was able to get some money, he’d show them what they could do with their clothes. He wouldn’t depend on anyone, and these stuffed up royals would learn, dammit.
He breathed deeply through his nose to push down his anger so Gerome wouldn’t realize what was up. “Thank you. I would like to have my clothes back if it’s not too much trouble. I’m more comfortable in them.”
There, a perfect lie. “Oh, and can you tell me where my wallet and cell phone are? Your men took them away when they grabbed me from my parents’ house. I would like to have them back as well.”
“You don’t have them?” Gerome seemed surprised.
Luis shook his head. “No. I’ll need my wallet. Otherwise, I won’t be able to pay for my haircut. Or my lunch.”
“Oh no, I’ll pay. I have more than enough. You don’t have to worry about money anymore, Luis. It’s one of the perks of being a member of the royal family.”
Yeah, he could do without that, thank you very much.
“Thank you. But I’d still like to have my wallet back at one point.”
“Of course. I’ll see what I can do, but let’s go now. Otherwise, you’ll be late.”
Luis needed his hair cut rather badly, so being late wasn’t a good idea. Maybe Gerome would bring him his wallet, his cell phone, and some of his own clothes soon. Luis followed Gerome out of the room and the apartment. In the inner court stood a sleek black car, a Jaguar if Luis wasn’t mistaken, its metal shining in the sun. Damn, the thing looked nice. More than nice. Moving closer, he admired the beauty of the car and took in its superb lines. How powerful would the engine be? It’d be heaven to drive.
“She’s nice, isn’t she?” Gerome said while opening the driver’s door. The car belonged to him? They’d take this awesome car to his appointment? Holy hell.
“She’s really beautiful.” He traced his finger over the gleaming metal before he opened the passenger door to take in the leather seats. Damn, what a nice car. He’d never be able to afford something like this. If he ever got his driver’s license, that’d be great, but more? No way. And if he did manage to run, he’d never even be able to register for his license.
Luis swallowed hard. He’d have to forsake so much for his freedom, but it’d be it.
The plush leather seats embraced him as he took his seat. A butler closed the door before he could do it himself, and Gerome fired up the engine. The car roared to life, and Gerome pulled out through the heavy iron gate.
They drove in silence until Gerome slowed down and turned into a parking lot at the back of the shop. Everything from the sign to the window decorations screamed “money” and “expensive.”
“I’ll go in with you and wait, okay?”
Luis looked up, unsure if he was pleased or annoyed that Gerome would stay by his side. He couldn’t run here, but he wasn’t sure he wanted Gerome by his side the entire time.
“Thank you.” Luis opened his door and climbed out of the car. Gerome followed. They met on the sidewalk, and together they entered the salon. Warm air mixed with the typical mixture of hairspray, shampoo, and conditioner welcomed him. A friendly woman greeted them and, without having to wait or anything, led them to a chair. Gerome stood next to the seat and looked at Luis in the mirror.
This place was a far cry from the back alley salon he’d usually used for a haircut in the past. Another woman approached him with a smile on her face.
“Hello. What can I do for you?” She sat down on a stool behind him and looked over his shoulder.
“Hi. Just cut it short, please.” He’d never be able to afford a visit to such a salon on his own. It made him highly uncomfortable to sit there and spend money that didn’t belong him.
“Like this?” She touched his head, indicating a length.
“You can go a bit shorter.” Then he wouldn’t have to get another cut so soon.
“How about this?” She indicated another length.
“That’s good.”
“How about some color or highlights?”
Luis stared at her in the mirror. Color? That was expensive.
Gerome leaned forward. “You can get color or highlights if you want.”
He could? No. He couldn’t spend so much of Gerome’s money.
“No, thank you. This time, we’ll just go with a cut.”
“Good, then we’ll wash you first, and then I’ll cut.” She nodded to another waiting girl who instantly stepped forward with a towel over her arm.
“Hello. If you’re ready, we can wash.”
Luis nodded and braced himself for the treatment he’d never be able to afford by himself.
He might as well enjoy it.