Page 58 of Red King

Why the meeting? I thought you said I was reporting to Thorn.

I text back to him. That’s just it; even though Arctic told me I would be reporting to the man, it hasn’t happened. I expected Thorn to call me in, but nothing has happened to that effect. Two whole days have gone by, and this is the first communication I’ve had from Arctic.

We should stay far away from each other. It would be for the best.

I finish typing, my finger hovering over “send.”

“Screw it!” I whisper, swiping the send arrow.

Three text bubbles appear a second later. I hold my breath.

Let’s talk it through.

Please.

I stuff my phone back in my pocket and change direction. A minute later, I knock on Maggie’s door, half expecting her not to answer, but she does.

“I’m coming,” she calls from inside.

A few moments later, Maggie opens up. “Hi, babe.” She smiles. “You caught me getting ready for my hot date.” She does a little dance.

It feels like everyone has a hot date tonight…except for me.

“Let me guess, Hazard is coming over.” I smile.

Maggie nods. “Yes, but we’re not staying at my place tonight. He’s taking me to his. Come in.” She moves away, closing the door behind me.

“Oh, you’re going to him. Is it getting serious, then?”

“Hardly.” She laughs. “We’ve had sex several times in every room of this place, so we thought we would try somewhere new. He really wants me to see where he lives. Something about taking me in his double shower on the—”

“Okay, Mags…thanks, I get it.” I hold up a hand, laughing. “I can go if you’re busy getting ready. I would completely understand—”

“No way. Come in. I have some time. Are you still on duty? Or do you have something on tonight?”

“Nope. Nothing. We’re giving everyone a chance to do their own thing. Many of the ladies have dates. It’s fair to say that things are going well.”

“Sounds like it.” She laughs. “Let me tell you, Paisley, the number of used condoms we’ve had to throw out of trash cans in some of the rooms is obscene. Not to mention the bedding.” She makes a face. “The one bedroom had something that looked distinctly like semen on the—”

“Maggie, I mean it. You give far too much information.” I laugh. It feels good. I already feel so much better than I did before.

“Sorry, babe. I sometimes forget what a prude you are.” She cackles. “Can I pour you a glass of wine?”

I shake my head, and I must look as depressed as I feel because Maggie gives me a look. “What’s going on? I didn’t mean it about you being a prude. I was just teasing you. You know that, right?”

“I know. You know what, I’ll take that wine.” I sigh.

Maggie nods. “Good idea. Sit.” She points at the sofa. It doesn’t take her long to return to the living room with two glasses of rosé.

She hands me one of them. “Out with it. What’s got you all in a tizz?”

“I shouldn’t tell you.”

“Of course you have to tell me. You look upset. You’ll feel better once you get whatever it is off your chest.”

“Do you promise not to tell a soul?”

Her eyes widen. “Really? Is it juicy? It is, isn’t it?” She claps her hands and squeals.

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