Page 107 of Red King

“It’s okay. We’ll be fine. You heard Steel. Please.” I implore him with my eyes.

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

Arctic nods once.

We knew the risks.

We were well aware.

I knew. This might be for the best. I was getting too attached. Iamtoo attached. I have feelings for Arctic.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

This is the first time I’ve admitted it to myself, but there it is, clear as day.

“Okay, then.” Arctic sighs. “We’ll talk later?” he asks, eyes on me.

I nod. He seems to relax, and he and Steel leave, giving us some space.

Cathy stays where she is. She stands there glaring at me, her arms tightly folded over her chest.

I walk over to her. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

She snorts. “You’re not the only one who’s sorry. How long has this been going on?” Her eyes are blazing. Her voice is clipped. “All this time, I thought he was looking at me, when he was actually looking atyou.” She’s angry at the rejection. That’s how she sees this. “The other day, when you warned me against pursuing him, you were already fucking him, weren’t you?” she shouts at me.

“I can understand why you’re angry.”

Why did it have to be her? Why?

“Can you? I’m sorry, Paisley, but I have to report this.” She shrugs, looking smug.

“That’s not fair, Cathy.”

“Life isn’t fair. You taking my job isn’t fair. You sleeping withmyman isn’t fair.”

She’s so deluded that I choke out a laugh, but there’s no humor in the sound. “Sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but Arctic isn’t yours.”

“He isn’t yours, either. You’renota Tribute. And you’re old. Too old for him, at any rate.”

“I’m only nine years older than you, Cathy.”

“Like I said, ooooolllllld.” She pouts.

“This can’t get out. Please don’t say anything.” I hate begging her. Especially since I know it isn’t going to work.

“It’s my duty to report this.”

“Your duty?” I snort. “You were planning on seducing him yourself. You came into this little grove of trees to find him and do just that.”

“No, I didn’t. I got lost and stumbled on—”

“You told me at the karaoke evening that you were going to approach Arctic. That you were interested in pursuing a relationship with him.”

“You’d been drinking that night, Paisley. Perhaps you were a little drunk and misunderstood what I was saying.” She narrows her eyes.

Damn her.

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