Page 91 of Red King

“I think he’s been watching me,” Cathy says. “Like checking me out, I mean. His eyes are on me alllll the time.”

Cathy and I have spent a lot of the evening together. Maybe Arctic has been watching me far more than I realized.Shit!Turns out we both have to get better at being undercover.

“Who?” I frown. “Arctic?” I decide to play it down. And to play along.

“Yeah. What do you think I should do about it?” She looks genuinely concerned.

“What do you mean by that?” I frown.

Where is she going with this?

“I mean, should I talk to him about it? Do you think he might be interested in me?”

What?

“He’s a candidate, Cathy.” My tone is clipped. “You’re not a Tribute. He’s off limits.”

“He’s the king. Surely, he makes the rules? If he’s interested in me, then…” She giggles and smiles, fluttering her lashes. “Don’t look now, but he’s looking over here again,” she whispers. “I swear he’s into me and doesn’t know what to do about it. I just know it.”

I want to roll my eyes or laugh my head off or both. Then again, Cathy is very beautiful. I’m sure she’s used to getting plenty of attention. She would immediately assume it’s her, which is a good thing, or we’d be busted.

“I think you should leave it well alone.” I should take my own advice. “Don’t go down that road. You could end up without a job.”

“Yeah, but if he wants me but doesn’t know how to approach it and I don’t act on it, I could have some serious regrets. I can see myself at his side. We would make a great couple and have beautiful babies.” She gets this wistful look.

I want to roll my eyes but hold back. Maybe I’ve been too nice to her because she’s almost forgotten that I’m her boss. I could fire her for even having this conversation with me. Of course, I won’t. It wouldn’t be right. She hasn’t actually done anything wrong, and she has come to me to talk it through.

“If you go after him and you’re wrong, he could fire you on the spot. I would tread carefully. I wouldn’t read into it too much. I’ve noticed he keeps an eye on all his management staff.”

“Oh, really?”

I nod. “Yep. Don’t jeopardize your career.”

She makes a noise of frustration. “You’re right, Paisley. The voice of reason.” She smiles at me. “Thanks for talking me down, but if he hits on me, I’m all in. I’m sure he could get me into the program, and we could be together.” She has stars in her eyes. “I hope he comes clean. I really hope so.”

She’s convinced Arctic is into her. I almost feel sorry for her.

“Just watch yourself,” I tell her. “There are plenty of great guys on the island.”

Why can’t I take my own advice?

She smiles. “I know, but they feel like they’re all beneath me.” She laughs. “God, I sound conceited.” She shakes her head. “I’ve always aimed for the top.” She takes a sip of her champagne.

I suddenly remember our earlier conversation.

“You said that something is going to happen on the island tomorrow. It sounded like something bad. Something to do with the royal family.” I lift my brows.

Cathy makes a face and laughs. “You mean you don’t know? Do you live under a rock? Has Arctic not discussed it with you? I thought you guys had a meeting. Almost everyone knows as of today.” She shrugs.

“I did have a meeting with Arctic earlier, but he got called away soon after I got there. I’m sure he was planning to tell me about whatever it is. Otherwise, I was working. I ate lunch at my desk. Dr. du Pont didn’t mention anything.” I realize that I’m talking too much and force myself to shut up.

“Arctic’s younger brother is being put to death tomorrow.”

I gasp. “What? Are you serious? He must be a prince…surely,” I almost say to myself.

She nods. “Yes, it’s Frost’s twin brother. He’s younger by only a few minutes.”

“Why is he being put to death?” I can’t believe that Arctic didn’t say anything. That we were only told today and that I’m the last to know, even though I’m sleeping with him. It makes me feel…weird.

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