Page 96 of Red King
“How about we get wasted? Let me top up your wine. Maybe it would help to forget.”
I shake my head. “Alcohol will just make me feel worse.”
I take out my phone and pull up Steel’s number. We were given his number to call in the case of an extreme security emergency.
“Did he message you?” Maggie asks with hope in her eyes.
“No. My messages are one-ticking. His phone must be off. He just needs space.” I sigh. “I’m going to message Steel. I just need to know that Arctic isn’t alone.”
Maggie’s eyes go wide. “We were told in no uncertain terms not to contact the head of security unless there is an extreme security emergency.”
“Steel is Arctic’s best friend. This is an emergency to me. If Steel is with Arctic, I’ll relax and drink wine with you. I’ll be fine. But if he’s alone…” My lip wobbles, and I bite down on it.
“Okay.” She doesn’t sound so sure. “If you think that’s the right thing to do.”
“I do. I have to be sure.”
I type out a message.
Hi, Steel, it’s Paisley. Sorry to bother you. Please tell me you’re with Arctic. I’m really worried about him.
It only takes a few seconds to get a response.
His phone is going to voicemail. He’ll be fine. He’s a big boy.
I show Maggie.
“See? He’ll be fine,” she tries to reassure me.
“I’m not buying it.” I sniff. “I’m not buying the bravado.”
He’s not fine. I know it. Why aren’t you with him?
I send it before I can stop myself.
I’m sorry, but you should be with him. Someone needs to be there.
I quickly add the next text, not wanting to come across as a total bitch.
My phone rings. It’s Steel.
“Hi,” I say. “I’m sorry to bug you. I’m worried. His phone is off.”
“I know that,” Steel says in a hard voice. “I tried to go and see him but he’s ignoring me. He won’t let me in.”
“He shouldn’t be alone, Steel.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” He sounds frustrated.
“He’s taking this badly.”
“Of course he is, Paisley. Ice may have done fucking terrible things, but he was still his brother. Arctic had the power to save him, and he didn’t, which was the right thing to do. That prick deserved to die. But it’ll be weighing heavily on Arctic.”
“Please take me to him.” I’m crying. I can’t help myself.
“If he won’t open for me, he sure as shit won’t open for you. Besides, it would be against every rule in the book if I took you to his chambers.”
“Please.” I have to try. “He needs me. He needs someone. He can’t be alone.”
