Page 105 of Red King

“I miss the sex.”

“You’re fooling yourself, Mags. I think that you might have feelings for him?”

“No,” she snorts. “Turning those guys down has nothing to do with Hazard. I want to take a little break before jumping into bed with the next guy…that’s all.”

“If you say so.”

The dragons swoop down low, getting back into one big formation again as they head back up toward the clouds.

“Aren’t you supposed to be sneaking off to go and meet your lover for a little fun in the forest?” she smirks at me.

I look over at Cathy, who is right at the front of the Tributes. You’d say she was one of them. Then I glance at Thorn. Arctic was right; everyone is focused on the show. No one will see me slip away.

“Yeah, but I’m still not convinced—” I start to grumble because this is a terrible idea.

“Go have your fun. You only have three days left with your guy, so you may as well make the most of it.”

“He’s not my guy,” I grumble some more.

“Whatever! I’ll cover for you. We’re walking back. If anyone asks, I’ll say that you had somewhere you needed to be, which wouldn’t be lying.”

I lick my lips, still unsure.

“Just go already! Did you know that these guys have the best sex right after shifting back into their human form?”

I do a double-take. “I didn’t know that.”

“You and your man should talk more.”

“He’snotmy man.” I shake my head. “We don’t talk much. It’s better that way.”

“You know what I mean,” she says in an exasperated tone. “Hazard and me…” her eyes go hazy, “we did it a few times after he shifted back.” She lowers her voice. “The sex was… incredible. A little animal and a lot hot.” She waves a hand. “But enough about that; go already.” She gives me a little shove toward the trees. “Don’t be a prude.”

I turn back and glare at her, and she winks at me.

I giggle, looking up as the dragons start with their fire display; they blow plumes of flames up into the air. It’s so darned impressive that I forget I’m supposed to be sneaking off.

Everyone shrieks. Many of the women clap. No one is watching me, that’s for sure. Maggie is right; we don’t have much time left. I need to make the most of it. Sex outside in the open air. A chance at getting caught. A shiver of excitement runs through me. We’re playing with fire here.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve done things I never thought I would. It’s been scary and yet, fun…it’s been amazing. I look up at the dragon at the head of the formation with a lump in my throat.

Then I quickly run for the tree line, glancing back to see if anyone is looking, relieved to see that they’re not. I rush into the safety of the trees. I’m wearing sneakers and a summer dress. No underwear.

It feels decidedly naughty. My dress is green because I know Arctic likes me in this color but also so that I can blend in with the vegetation. I’m getting good at being sneaky. I love it and hate it.

The forest gets thicker, and so does the undergrowth. There are vines hanging from the branches. It feels like I’m in the middle of a jungle. Leaves rustle as I push my way through. The sun is high in the sky, casting a warm, dappled glow on everything. I can hear the distant sounds of the show still going on. It should end soon.

I see the boulder up ahead; it’s covered in moss on the one side. I pick my way over there and round the boulder, putting my back to the cool stone just as the crowd goes wild. There is a bright flash through the canopy. More fire, I’m sure.

I think that was the end of the display.

There’s cheering and chanting from the Tributes for half a minute before it goes quiet. Yep, I think it’s over. Arctic should be here soon.

My gut churns.

It’s quiet and tranquil, tucked away in the trees. Minutes later, Arctic stalks through the trees. He’s completely naked. I note how his footfalls don’t make so much as a sound as he moves toward me.

My heart stutters. Everything pulls tight with anticipation. My clit does a happy dance. You would swear I wouldn’t react like this every time, but I do.

---