Page 114 of Red King

He smiles and holds out a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“You’re huge, but you seem nice.” They shake hands. “Can you really morph into a dragon?”

Hazard chuckles. “I sure can.”

I walk outside the airport building and look over at the castle. I can just see the tops of the towers from here. I imagine Arctic looking this way, waiting for the airplane to take off. I’m probably being silly. I’m sure he’s at his desk or in a meeting.

“Paisley.”

I almost jump out of my skin. I turn, clutching my chest.

“Sorry.” Steel holds up a hand. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to say goodbye and to say thank you.”

“What for?” I make a face. “I almost caused a disaster.”

“You didn’t. You were there for Arctic. You’ve done the right thing by him every step of the way. I know he cares deeply for you.”

“He’s done the right thing by me, too. I just wish it could have been different.” I look down at the asphalt for a few seconds before looking back up.

“I know for sure he feels the same way. He’s been a mess since…that day.” Steel swallows thickly. “I’m sorry Cathy got through. It was all my fault.” He gets a sheepish look. “I was supposed to be keeping an eye out. I got distracted. Jen called.” He gestures to the building. “She’s my girlfriend.”

“I thought as much. You guys look happy. She seems nice.”

“She’s the best. I’m so lucky to have her. Anyway…” He looks over at the aircraft.

I follow his gaze and see one of the cabin crew at the top of the stairs looking over at us.

“Arctic wanted me to give you a message.”

My heart beats faster. I know he’s not going to beg me to stay. He can’t, even if he wants to. But to hear one more little thing from him is…it’s nice.

“He said he’s going to miss you. He also said to tell you that you have his number. That you should call if you ever needed him.”

I nod. “Thanks.”

“Don’t call him, Paisley. I mean…” He runs his hand through his hair, mussing it. “It’s better if there’s a clean break. I don’t want to see him hurt. He went through so much with Anya and Ice. I don’t want to see him stuck in such a dark place again. I’m hoping that maybe he will start to live again, but if you reach out—”

“It’s fine, Steel. I get it. I want a clean break, too.”

He nods. “I wish you all the best, Paisley.”

“To you, too.” Then I’m walking toward the aircraft, pulling my suitcase behind me. I steal another glance at the castle.

“Goodbye,” I whisper under my breath.

It hurts. It really hurts, even though it shouldn’t. Not after such a short time. It’ll get better. It has to.

32

Paisley

Rebecca screams and jumps up and down when she sees me walk through Arrivals. She runs up to me and hugs me tightly.

“I can’t believe you’re here.” Her voice is shrill, and her eyes are shining when she pulls back. “You look great. A little tired but really great.” She hugs me again. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

“Yeah, I am a little pooped. And yes, I’m back, but it won’t be for long.” I give her a pointed look.

“Stay. Don’t leave again, please.”

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