Page 31 of Red King
I pull in a breath and give my head a small shake.
I’ve got this, dammit!
“Your Majesty.”
He smirks at me.
Holy hell! Even that’s hot. The way he’s looking at me has stuff happening inside me. Specifically in my lower belly. Heat pools there.
Craaaap!I need to stop this.
“I thought you preferred to call me asshole,” he says in a lazy way that makes more of that heat pool.
“I never called you that.” My voice is too soft.
“But you thought it.” He lifts his brows, the one corner of his full mouth turning up.
I don’t say anything. I like my job. I want to stay and be here for these women. I wanted an adventure, and I think I found it. I don’t want to lie, either, so I chew my lip instead.
He laughs, and my clit takes note. I haven’t felt much of anything sexual since Jim announced that he was leaving me. This is a bad time for my libido to kick in.
“That’s what I thought. Call me Arctic. Take a seat.” He gestures to the chair across from him.
I do as he says, folding my legs and trying not to fidget under his scrutiny.
“How is Lauren doing?”
“I sent a report.” I clear my throat.
His mouth twitches. I’m not sure if he wants to smile or scowl. I’m going with the latter. I need to try to mind my manners, which is tough right now. I’ve never been one to beat around the bush.
“Lauren is doing well. Dr. du Pont administered five stitches. She has some pain and discomfort, but there are no signs of a concussion. No blurred vision, light sensitivity, or confusion. Lauren is on pain medication and antibiotics. She should be fine within a few days and will have her stitches out next week Wednesday. Look, I, um…I’m sorry I was so rude. I was angry, but I was also out of line. I mean, you’re the king…of Mistveil Island, and I…well, I shouldn’t have been quite so blunt. I could have conveyed my feelings in a better way.”
“Good to know. We’re doing another demonstration later today, and I’d like Lauren to have a front-row seat. She—”
“Are you insane?” I close my mouth, squeezing my eyes shut for a moment. I open them and suck in a calming breath. “I wouldn’t recommend it, Your Majesty…Arctic,” I quickly say, remembering that he asked me to call him that. “Lauren isn’t up for it. She’s on strong meds until tomorrow. Even then—” I’m shaking my head.
“You can stop there,” he tells me. “I don’t plan on doing a demonstration anytime soon. I was testing you.”
Say what?
Why?
“And, let me guess: I failed.” I squeeze my eyes shut again, cracking one eye so that I can see his face.
This is it. He’s going to fire me now. I know it. I open my eyes and stare at him head-on. I’m ready!
He smiles, and my ovaries pop off several eggs…I’m sure of it. It’s no mean feat since I have diminished egg reserve, among other fertility issues. In fact, the several that pop out could very well be my last.
Damn him!
His eyes dance with humor. They’re so pretty. He must be a narcissist, though, since he’s about to fire me with a smile on his handsome face.
Asshole.
“You’re easy to read, Paisley. You really do think I’m an asshole, don’t you?”
“I don’t like being tested. That’s all.”
