Page 12

12

P aisley

I look in the mirror, turning each way so that I can assess myself from all angles.

“And?” Maggie shouts through the door. “Are you dressed yet? You’re taking forever in there.”

“Yes,” I yell back. “But—”

The door opens, and Maggie walks in, taking it slow and limping a little.

“Holy shit, babe! You look gorgeous.” She sinks carefully on the bed, wincing.

“It can’t be that bad.” I laugh.

“It wasn’t bad at all; it was a-maaaaa-zing.” She grins. “My vagina may be broken, but what a way to go.” Her eyes have this faraway look. “I had three orgasms last night,” she tells me for the third time…maybe it’s the fourth. “He carried me. Lifted me like I weighed nothing. I think I’m in love.”

“In lust, you mean.”

She shrugs. “Right now, it feels like it’s the same thing, even though you are right. It’ll take a lot to get me to love again…to trust again. It’s too early to even think about a relationship, so we’ll stick with lust. I’m in fully fledged lust.”

“So, you’re seeing him again later?” I smile.

She nods. “Yes.” Then she looks at me pointedly. “Are you sure you don’t have a painkiller that’ll help me…down there? That or numbing cream.”

I all-out laugh. “No. Wouldn’t numbing cream take away all your feeling? Wouldn’t it be counterproductive?”

“I don’t know; you’re the medical person. I’m just a little sore down there. I’ve never had sex for that long before. I’ve never had a cock that big inside me before, either.”

I choke out a laugh. “TMI, Mags. Please! My ears are bleeding here.”

“Sorry.” She’s still grinning.

“No, you are not sorry.” I sigh, looking back in the mirror. “I can’t believe they expect me to wear this.”

“Apparently, all the Tributes received dresses today. You’re not the only one.”

“I’m not a Tribute.” I turn to face her. “Why do I have to wear this get-up? I’m the fly on the wall, not part of it.”

“But you are attending the cocktail party, even if only as a fly on the wall. You were the one who suggested the cocktail party in the first place. And I happen to think you look hot, so stop worrying.” She looks me up and down. “I mean, look at you.”

I turn and look back in the mirror. I take a deep breath, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. The dress is stunning. It’s a deep shade of green that hugs my curves perfectly. It’s strapless with a sweetheart neckline that shows off the tops of my breasts in a way that is both subtle and flirty. The skirt flares out just enough to be elegant but still retains a bit of a sexy edge. It comes to about mid-thigh, showing off more leg than I’d like. My whole body is covered in freckles. Every inch, so the more of it I can keep hidden, the better.

The green accentuates my red hair…my freckles, too… Craaap! It also highlights my eyes, which I’ve enhanced with smoky eyeshadow. I’ve always liked my eyes, and tonight is no exception. It’s the rest of me that’s the problem. I mean, I’m not bad-looking. I’m not great-looking, either. “Different” would be the right word.

“You look absolutely gorgeous. You’re not there to meet anyone, just to observe, so grab yourself a chardonnay and do just that. I’d offer to join you, but—”

“You’ve got a hot date. No, it’s fine, I’ll be fine. I’m not used to…” I look down at myself. “Dressing like this anymore. Back when I was married, we attended formal gatherings from time to time. I had to dress up then, too, but I would never have picked this for myself in a million years. The heels are pretty high.” Jim preferred conservative outfits, as did I.

“Well, maybe you should have, hon’. I mean it, and I swear I wouldn’t lie to you; you look freaking fantastic. Those heels make your legs look long and toned. Go have some fun.”

“It’s work…not fun.”

“Absolutely.” She nods a few times. “And maybe there’s someone there who tickles your fancy. You never know.”

“We’re not allowed to date the candidates.” I instantly think about Arctic. About his eyes, his masculine jaw…about other things I have no business thinking about, like his abs and ass…

“I’m not talking about a candidate. Maybe one of those cute guards or…I don’t know…this whole island is full of sexy, single men. You can take your pick.”

I nod. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am. I would never steer you wrong.” She looks at her watch. “With that in mind, I’d better get going; Hazard will be here soon.”

I laugh. “I still can’t believe his name is Hazard.” I shake my head.

“It’s the perfect name. I can’t believe we won’t be able to get down and dirty tonight.”

“Maybe you can talk to each other.” We look at each other for a while and then start laughing. Maggie also hasn’t been divorced for all that long.

“Had the ring and the dress. Talked plenty with my ex, who still cheated on me with anything that breathed…so, no, I’m not ready for anything serious, thank you very much. No talking. We’ll think of something to do.”

“I hear you,” I tell her. “You’ll think of something.”

“You still need to tell me what happened between you and…” She scratches her chin.

“Jim.”

“You and Jim.” She lifts her brows.

“There’s no time tonight,” I tell her. It isn’t something I feel like talking about. It hurts too much. You’d think I’d be all healed up by now, but I’m not. It’s still a sore spot. He’s remarried and about to have a kid, and I’m pathetic.

She scrutinizes me. “Do you know the best way to get over a man?”

“I can guess.” I chuckle.

“How long have you been divorced?”

“Two years already.”

“I’m going to guess that you haven’t even looked at another man, let alone dated one.”

I make a face because she’s right on the money.

Pathetic.

“That’s what I thought.” She wags a finger at me. “You’re waaaaaay past due. Now go out there and have a good time.”

“I’m working, Maggie.”

“At least be open to the possibility of meeting someone for a hook-up. You need to get back on the horse – or dragon, in this case – before your hoochie closes over.”

I choke out a laugh. “My hoochie closing over? Really? Yeah, that isn’t going to happen.”

“It might.” She levels me with a look. “You need sex…okay…I’m just gonna say it. You need to have plenty of good, uncomplicated, no-strings-attached sex. You’ll see the world a little differently after that, I promise you. You’ll eventually start to heal and move on.”

“You might be right.” Again, my mind goes straight to Arctic. Dammit! I can’t think of him in that way.

I just can’t!

“It’s no-strings sex, or you need to fall in love,” Maggie goes on.

“Oh, hell no!” I push out.

“Exactly.” Maggie giggles. “Some hot sex it is, then. I dare you.”

I laugh, my mind still in the gutter and firmly on Arctic.

It’s a good thing he’s a candidate and the king… Oh! And my boss, which makes him out-of-bounds, which is a good thing.

A great thing, or I might be tempted to do something stupid.

Arctic

I’m sure to get to the cocktail party early. I find my name tag and stick it onto my suit. I’m nervous, and I fucking hate it.

I straighten my tie for the hundredth time; my collared shirt feels a little too tight tonight. Is it hot in here despite the air-conditioning units? Or is it me?

“You look like you’re ready to run away,” Thorn says, a smile playing on his lips.

“It’s been a while, and this isn’t…it’s…unnatural. I don’t like it.”

“It’s normal that you’d be a little nervous, Si— Arctic.”

“If you say so.” I widen my eyes.

“I have no doubt that you’ll do just fine,” Thorn tells me.

“Hello.” Smoke walks over to us as soon as he sees me. “Hi…um…Arctic,” he says, going to pat me on the back and then thinking better of it.

“Treat me normally, as you would anyone else,” I instruct him.

“Yes, Si—”

“Treat me like you would anyone else.” I raise my voice a tad.

“Sure thing.” He gives a hard nod and then pulls at his collar. “I’m not used to wearing all this get-up.”

“You look good,” Thorn tells him.

He pulls on his collar again.

“Stop that,” I tell him. “No fidgeting. Just act…normal. It’ll be fine.” I give him advice I need to follow.

“I really want this to work out.” He looks pained.

“It will. Have a little faith in yourself,” I say.

“Easy for you to say.” He lowers his voice, looking around us. “When they find out who you are, the females will line up.”

That’s what I’m afraid of.

“Let’s keep it under wraps as long as possible, shall we? That way, we all have a fighting chance on an equal playing field.”

He nods about ten times. “Yes, you’re right. You’re absolutely…um… Holy smokes.” He smiles, looking across the hall. “What’s her name again?” he asks behind his hand as she notices us standing here and starts toward us.

“Paisley,” I all but growl because holy smokes is right.

Fuck me!

Paisley looks incredible. I told Sally to choose something for the female, since she was a late addition to the staff of the pilot program. All I can say is that my PA chose well. I try not to look Paisley up and down or to stare, but I can’t help myself.

None of us can.

Her fiery red hair is loose about her back and shoulders. Her breasts are barely contained in that tight bodice. Her legs are…they’re… Fuck! The green tone of the dress works perfectly on her complexion.

She levels her smoky stare on us. “Gentlemen.”

“Good evening.” My voice is a hard rasp.

“Hi, Miss Reed. Good to see you again. Congratulations on your promotion,” Thorn says.

“I’m just helping out for a short while.” She waves her hand like it’s nothing. “Hardly a promotion.” She shakes her head. “The ladies will be here soon; do you all have your name tags?”

She looks at Smoke’s chest and then mine.

“Ahhh…good. that’s great.” She smiles, it’s tight. “Good luck to you all. Oh, and be aware, there is a number next to your name.”

I look down. “Lucky number thirteen.”

“You’re not superstitious, are you?” She quirks a brow.

“Not at all.”

Her gaze moves back to Smoke. “Listen out for requests where your number will be called out instead of your name.” And then back at me.

I nod. “Will do,” I rasp.

“Sounds like fun,” Smoke says. “Say, why aren’t you part of the project?” He looks her up and down, grinning all the while, the fucker. “You would make a perfect Tribute.”

Paisley laughs. “I’m far too old to be a Tribute. The cut-off is twenty-five. That birthday came and went a long time ago.”

“You don’t look it. Not at all.” He’s looking her over again, and I find that I hate it. It’s rude! End of! “You look ama—”

“That’s enough, Smoke. Miss Reed is not here as a Tribute. The ladies will be arriving soon. Please show some respect.”

He gasps. “Apologies, Miss Reed. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

She smiles. “It’s Paisley, please, and you weren’t rude at all. It’s lovely to receive a compliment. It’s one I needed, thank you. Anyway, if you’ll excuse me, gents, the ladies are arriving.”

Sure enough, the Tributes start to pour in. Paisley hurries over and then ushers them toward the table to get their name tags. From there, I watch her send them to the bar area.

Even though they’re all decked out in pretty cocktail dresses, Paisley stands out among the others. I’m not sure if it’s her unique coloring or if it’s just her.

“Wow! They’re beautiful,” Smoke says in a voice filled with awe. “We’ve been instructed to stay away, at least until we get our little introductions out of the way.” He sighs, sounding nervous all over again.

“It’s just a short introduction about yourself. You’ll be fine.”

“I feel sick.” Smoke looks like he might throw up at any second. “I’m so worried I will say something stupid or forget what I want to say completely. That I’ll stand up there like a complete fool.”

“You’ll be just fine. Just be yourself. Say a few things about you. Don’t overthink it.”

“Okay…fine…I will. You’re right; I can do this.” He sounds determined but still really nervous.

Although there are plenty of waiters serving drinks off of trays, some of the ladies head to the bar. They stick together in the same way as before, only I don’t get a sense of fear like I did with the demonstration. Everyone seems more at ease. Perhaps because they know exactly what to expect and have been properly briefed this time. Perhaps because we males have cleaned up nicely. Everyone is in a suit and tie. The males look…good.

The entertainment hall has been done up with streamers and balloons. There are flowers on the tables and at the bar. The waiters are wearing suits and bow ties. It’s all very sophisticated and upmarket. There has been no expense spared on the food, and real French champagne is being served. We’re hoping to make the right impression this time.

The Tributes keep glancing our way and chatting among themselves. I get a sense of excitement. I already feel like we’re headed in the right direction with Paisley on board.

My eye drifts back to the woman in question. It looks like she and Cathy are exchanging words. They look tense. Cathy’s jaw is tight, and her movements jerky. It doesn’t last because she soon nods and walks over to the podium that was erected earlier today.

“Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the first meet-and-greet cocktail evening.” She smiles broadly as everyone claps. Her eyes move across the room before landing on me, where they linger for a few moments before moving on. “You will find bathrooms on both sides of the hall. Men to the right.” She gestures in that direction. “And women to the left.” Once again, she gestures. “Please help yourselves to drinks and snacks. Our fantastic waiters are here to serve you, or you can make your way to the bar.” She pauses and licks her lips. “For those of you feeling a little peckish, the canapés will be ready shortly. Gents, I hope you came prepared?” She pauses, looking around the room…her gaze once again landing on me. “We can’t wait to hear how you have summed yourself up in a few concise sentences. Please keep it short and sweet. I can say with authority that the ladies are dying to meet all of you.” She sucks in a breath. “Would candidate number one please come up and introduce yourself? Can the rest of you start to line up so that the introductions flow from one to the next? Then it’s important that you mingle and get to know one another. We have a few tricks up our sleeve to make sure it happens. Enjoy your evening.”

There is more clapping. I join in this time.

“So that’s her…this female who has you in knots,” Steel says, coming up next to me. He is holding a tumbler with soda and a slice of lemon in the glass. “Paisley, you said her name was.” He smirks at me.

“She does not have me in knots. But yes, that’s her. She’s my employee, nothing more.”

He makes this noise that has me looking at him. His gaze is on Paisley. “She’s—”

“Don’t even say it. Unless you want to use the term ‘efficient’ or ‘professional.’ Something along those lines would be good, but anything else…don’t you dare, Steel.”

“I was going to say professional.”

I start to relax.

“That and fucking sexy. It’s a dangerous combination.”

I choke out a laugh completely against my will. “Stop your shit. Let’s move on, shall we?”

“Fine. Whatever you want. I must say, I can’t wait to hear what you have prepared about yourself.” He takes a sip of his soda. “I mean, it’s not like you can announce to everyone that you’re the king.”

“Shhhhhhhh.”

“The females are way over there. Relax.” He smiles.

“I’ll be vague but as honest as possible.”

“That’s what I’m worried about. If you want to meet a female, you need to open up a little. If I know you, you won’t give much away about yourself, and that would be a mistake.”

I avert my attention as the first male takes the podium. He adjusts his tie and clears his throat as he reaches for the microphone.

“Good evening, everyone. My name is Hammer, and I head up our tech department here on the island. In my free time, I enjoy both hiking and flying in the mountains. I’m an avid hunter and prefer to hunt in my human form. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you incredible ladies here tonight.” Hammer gives a nervous smile before stepping down from the podium.

The ladies clap.

The next candidate takes his place. “Good evening, my name is…”

“You’d better get in line,” Steel says. “Good luck.” He claps me on the shoulder. “Go find yourself a mate and have plenty of babies. It’s what you need.”

I grunt and move into line, grateful to get away from him. Paisley is attractive; I would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to notice, but so what? I mean, would I like to lift her dress, rip off her panties, and sink into her tight heat? Hell, yes. But any unmated male in the room would feel the same way.

There is a niggling thought attached to all the logical thoughts I’m having – she’s the first female I’ve been attracted to since my mate died. I haven’t so much as touched another female since.

My eyes are drawn back to Paisley. I note that she’s with Lauren, who looks happy and healthy. Her cheeks are rosy; she’s smiling. The only giveaway that she’s had a recent incident is that she’s the only female who is sitting on one of the bar stools. Trust Paisley to check on her and to keep her comfortable.

The person in front of me wraps up, and I take the podium. “Hi, I’m Arctic. I head up operations at the castle. It’s a large portfolio, and my work takes up much of my time.” I think on what Steel said. Damn him, he’s right. I need to open up a little. “When I have a spare moment, you might find me behind the pages of a high fantasy novel or looking at the stars. It’s my passion to seek the beauty and wonder of the universe through the lens of a telescope. Thank you.”

I look up at Paisley, and our gazes lock for a moment. She has an odd expression on her face. One side of her mouth lifts in the start of a smile, and she nods once in approval. I go warm inside. Then I step down and make my way back to Steel.

“I’m shocked,” he says. “Where is my friend, and what have you done with him? No one knows your penchant for fantasy novels or what a hobby astronomer you are.”

I shrug. “I took your advice.”

“You’re really serious about finding someone.” He looks at me strangely.

“I am.” I nod. I have to do what’s right.

“Well, okay then.” He gets a strange look on his face. “I know you; don’t be too practical about this whole thing. Just jump in. Be yourself and try not to overthink it.”

I chuckle.

“What?” he asks.

“I gave very similar advice not so long ago.”

“You see.” Steel smiles. “Your advice was spot on. Take it. Go for it.” He squeezes my arm because he must see how my face has clouded. “Don’t do that. It’s been years, Arctic. You can still love Anya and move on. She would hate for you to be alone for the rest of your life. You know that.”

“I know. I do. It’s hard, that’s all. I don’t feel ready.”

“You’ll never feel ready. You just have to do it. Will you listen to me and take my advice for once?”

I pull in a deep breath. “I always listen.”

“Yeah, but will you actually take my damned advice?” He’s grinning. “You never do that second part.”

“I’ll take your advice. I know you still feel responsible for her death. That you still feel guilty.”

His eyes darken, and his jaw tightens. “I am resp—”

“Stop right there. You’re not. It was Lake and Ice. It was whoever they’re working with, and it was the person who actually pulled the trigger. Stop with the guilt. I’m sorry I blamed you for so long.”

“Deservedly.”

“No, your only mistake was to love the wrong woman. You’re with the right person now.”

He nods, his whole face coming alive. His eyes brightening right up. “Yes, yes, I am. I’m so in love, Arctic.” He pulls in a breath. “I never thought it would ever happen for me again, and it did. I’m walking proof that miracles do happen. I’d like to see a miracle happen for you, too.”

Highly unlikely.

“I’ll take advice from you if you listen to me.”

“Deal,” he says with a smile.

“I’d like your attention, please.” Cathy is back on the microphone. “Thank you for the introductions. You are all quite the catch. I’m sure the ladies are going to have a hard time choosing between you. I’d like to ask the following numbers to have a drink together to start things off. Go to the bar and find your match. Heads up to listen for your number being called throughout the evening. The idea is that you get to mingle with several different people tonight. Numbers two and one hundred head to the bar and find each other. Then there’s nine and a hundred and fifteen. Eighteen and a hundred and twenty.” Cathy keeps saying groups of numbers, but I am no longer listening. My eyes are on a certain redhead.

“Will you excuse me for a second?” I ask Steel.

“Sure thing. Go mingle.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“I’ll be here watching your six. As will the half a dozen guards I have posted inside.” He reaches over and straightens my tie. “All set.”

“Thanks.” I walk away, making a beeline for Paisley since she is alone, but I’m sure that won’t last long. “Hi,” I say as I reach her.

“Hi,” she says back, looking nervous, although I’m not sure why. The evening is going great.

“You look beautiful.” I’m not sure where that came from. I hadn’t planned on saying it.

“Oh…um…thank you.” She tugs on the bodice of her dress. She has nothing to worry about; although the dress is sexy as fuck, it isn’t overly revealing. Trust Sally to get the balance just right.

It instantly feels heated between us. We’re staring at each other. The air feels charged. My collar feels tight all over again.

“You said you needed the compliment earlier, so I thought…” I shrug.

Her eyes cloud with… Fuck! She’s disappointed, and I don’t blame her.

“I do mean it, though, wholeheartedly, Paisley. You look amazing.” My eyes travel the length of her. I need to stop and right away. “Well done. This was a good call.” I look around us, seeing candidates and Tributes mingling. There are only a few, but I can see that others are eager to do the same.

“Thanks.” She takes a sip of her drink, which looks like plain water. “You’d better go.”

“Go where?” I frown.

She laughs softly, and the sound shoots straight to my balls. How is it that I react so easily to her? I don’t get it.

“Cathy called your number.”

“Oh! I wasn’t aware.”

“You need to listen up. Number one hundred and nineteen will be looking for you at the bar as we speak.”

She’s trying to get rid of me. I love it and hate it.

“Well, I’d better get over there, then.” Truer words have never been said. I need to meet and get to know the Tributes. That’s why I’m here. “I just wanted you to know that you’re doing a great job.”

“Go mingle, Arctic. You can let me know how well I’m doing in our meeting tomorrow.”

I feel excited at the prospect of seeing her in the morning, which is fucking wrong on all levels. Yep, I’d better go meet some Tributes.

“See you then.”

“Yep.” She nods. “I’ll be ready for you.” My cock takes instant note, even though she didn’t mean it like that. Paisley clears her throat softly. “Go, already.” She gestures to the bar.

“I’m going, I’m going. You can be bossy, Miss Reed.” It comes across as slightly flirty, so I walk away, taking long strides. I need to watch myself with this female.

Halfway to the bar, I get intercepted by Cathy. What does she want? Surely she can discuss it with Marcel or Thorn?

“Hi, Arctic. Are you enjoying the evening so far?” She looks at me from under her lashes.

“I am, indeed.”

Cathy licks her lips. “Look how well it’s going. The numbers thing was my idea. Look at them talking.”

I look over at the bar, seeing one female on her own. Shit!

“It was a great idea. I have to—”

“Yeah, well, Paisley and I discussed it, and I felt that the hike just wasn’t the best idea for today since poor Lauren is still recovering.”

I nod.

“She would never have made it all the way to the beach. This was a—”

“I’m going to have to stop you there, Cathy. Well done with the changes. This hall looks amazing. The numbers were a fantastic idea, but number one hundred and nineteen is waiting for me as we speak.” I gesture to the lonely female at the bar. “I have to go. I can’t leave her hanging.”

“Of course not. Yes! Go! Go!” Her eyes go wide. “I mean that with the most respect—”

“I know. All good.” I walk away, feeling relieved.

Number one hundred and nineteen’s eyes light up as soon as she sees me. She’s pretty enough, with big brown eyes and a smile that lights up her face.

“I’m Dani.” She holds out her hand.

“Arctic.” I shake it.

“So, you like reading epic fantasy novels?”

“When I get a chance…yes. What about you?”

She winces. “Not much of a reader, I’m afraid.”

“What is it that you do for a living?” I find that it’s always a conversation-starter.

“I’m a pre-school teacher. I love kids.”

She’s perfect. I feel absolutely nothing.

Fuck!

Maybe it will come. I just need to talk to her for longer.

“Tell me all about it. How long have you been a pre-school teacher?”

“About three years now and all at Saint Michaels. It’s such a rewarding job, seeing the children learn and grow every day. I feel like I am making a real difference in their lives,” she says with genuine enthusiasm.

“That’s amazing. Teaching is truly a noble profession,” I tell her. “I’m sure you must have a few stories to tell.”

“I do.” Her whole face lights up. “There was this boy in my class, Jeremy. Anyway, one day, he comes to school and…”

I find myself zoning out. I have to force myself to concentrate on what she’s saying. To nod at the right places. To laugh when warranted. Okay, so number one hundred and nineteen isn’t the one. I’m ashamed that I don’t even remember her name. Maybe the next Tribute I meet tonight will interest me even just a little bit. I hope so.