Page 52 of Red King

I haven’t felt desire like this in such a long time, it scared me.

Where to from here?

Paisley

I go over to Cathy. “You did it,” I tell her. “The speed dating idea was a great success. Look at them.”

Everyone is mingling tonight. There are people at the bar and people on the dance floor. You can hear the chatter over the music. Even Lauren is talking to two of the shifters. One of them is huge, even bigger than Arctic. His arms are like tree trunks. She seems absolutely fine.

Cathy smiles, pride shining in her eyes. “I knew it would work out. I know it was a bit unconventional, but I know my stuff.”

“Of course you do; it seems like everyone is having a good time.” My eyes flick over to where Arctic is dancing with the pretty blonde.

They make a good couple.

She laughs at something he says, putting her arms around his neck as the music turns to something slow and the lights dim a little.

I feel a sting of…jealousy. I haven’t felt jealous over a man in the longest time. Not since I found out that Jim was seeing Lexi.

Yet, here I am.

It sucks! I have no right to feel this way.

“You know what?” I tell Cathy. “I don’t think I need to stay. You’ve got things fully under control. Unless you want me to stay, that is.”

Cathy smiles broadly. “No, you should go. I do have everything under control. Same goes for tomorrow. I have a handle on things now, I swear.”

“We’ll chat in the morning. Keep me informed of any developments.” I give her a look.

“They’re all adults,” she says, frowning. “I’m not reporting on who leaves with who.”

“That’s not what I meant, Cathy.” Actually, it’s exactly what I meant. I was interested in whether Arctic and the blonde left together or not, but it’s not my business. “I meant if there’s anything worth reporting…that’s all.”

“I doubt it, but sure thing.”

“Me, too, but you never know.”

I glance over at the dance floor, and the blonde is once again laughing at something Arctic is saying. His eyes are locked on her. His hands clasp her waist. He is smiling and saying something else.

The green-eyed monster is front and center. I’m such an idiot.

“Okay, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye.” Cathy waves.

I walk quickly. The sooner I get back to my apartment, the better. The sooner I can leave this role, the better.

My heels clatter on the tiled floor as I leave the hall. Two guards stand vigil outside.

“Goodnight,” I tell them.

“Shall I walk you back to your apartment, Miss?” one of the guards asks. He has a friendly smile, and his eyes dance with mischief. He’s pretty cute, with short-cropped black hair that gleams under the lights brightening the hallway.

“You shouldn’t leave your post, Drake,” the other guard says.

“The pretty lady needs me.” He throws me a smirk before turning back to the other guard. “I won’t be long. What is your name?”

I realize with a start that he’s flirting with me. It’s been so long since anyone flirted with me that I don’t know what to say or do.

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