Page 67 of Red Marked

I need to go and talk to her about what I have planned.

I’m not sure she’ll go for it. She doesn’t really have too much choice.

23

Star

I wake up to a knock on the door. Flint sticks his head around the jamb as I open my eyes.

“Sorry to wake you. I’m heading out to meet the team from Draig Island. They should be here soon to fetch the females, if you want to watch them leave.”

“Thanks.” My voice is a little groggy. “I will.”

“Be careful.”

“I know. I will make sure that no one sees me.”

“I’ll come back here after they leave for breakfast. We can talk then.” He lifts his brows.

I nod once, and he leaves.

I stretch. The bed is so soft, and the pillow is even softer. It scents of Flint. I turn my face into it and breathe it in, then make myself stop, because what the heck?

He might smell good and look good, but…I can’t go there.

I sit up, wide awake, even though it’s really early. It still looks dark outside. I don’t switch any lights on. I’m used to operating in the dark, and I don’t want to alert anyone outside to my presence here.

I can’t believe that I’m actually here, in a bed, under a roof. Only, I don’t really have a plan, which is a little daunting. It doesn’t matter; I’ll figure things out as I go.

I need to get to Mistveil City, and then I need a job. I’ll do anything. And then I’ll need to figure out how to find the male responsible for everything. My head hurts just thinking about it, so I stop. I’ll take it one step at a time.

I stretch and swing my legs out of the bed, taking in the space as I do.

There’s one framed photograph sitting on the dresser. I pick it up. An older male and a younger Flint stand on a riverbank, fishing rods in hand, both grinning at whoever holds the camera. Flint can’t be more than eighteen in the photograph. The older male has his jaw, the same deep-set blue eyes, the same way of smiling with his whole face. I think it might be his father. They look happy. I put the frame down. It’s the only personal item I’ve seen since arriving last night. Not that I’ve had a chance to look around, and not that I plan on snooping or anything.

I won’t.

That would be wrong even if I don’t really know Flint or anything about him. I’m starting to trust him because what choice do I have? My life is literally in his hands right now.

I walk out into the living room. I go over to the window and take a peek outside, making sure not to move the drape much, if at all. The sky is still gray, with the sun thinking of rising.

I see a couple of people assembled on a big patch of grass up ahead of the buildings. I recognize Flint. He’s pacing, keeping his eyes on the horizon. There is no sign of the Draig females. Not yet, anyway. I’m sure they’ll be brought out at the last moment.

I need a cup of coffee. My mouth waters at the thought alone. I’ll make a pot and breakfast too. Flint said he’s coming back to eat and to have that talk. I may as well make myself useful. I’ll keep an eye on what’s happening outside. I really want to see the females when they leave for Draig Island.

The T-shirt shifts against my skin when I move, and I keep noticing it. It’s all I’m wearing, and even this much fabric feels strange after being naked for so long. I’ll have to get used to it and everything else.

I take a slow lap around the kitchen. I look at the stove dial and the microwave. The refrigerator hums, and the toaster gleams. It’s all so normal.

The cabinet above the counter is full. There are cans and jars lined up in rows. I take out a box of cookies and stick my hand inside. The packet is open; I grab one and put it in my mouth.

I groan at the taste of butter, sugar, and chocolate. It’s so unbelievably good that I have to grip the counter and then force myself to put the box back down. I want to eat them all.

There’s a jar of peanut butter. I know it’s wrong, but I open it and stick my finger in it.

Holy crap!

I’m in heaven.