Page 14

14

A rctic

I look around the reception hall. At how it has been transformed since last night. Long trestle tables have been placed in parallel. They’re covered with tablecloths with elaborate flower arrangements down the center.

I’m one of the lucky males to have a Tribute on either side of me.

On my left is Anita, who I chatted with earlier, and on my right is Hannah. I repeated their names several times so I wouldn’t forget.

I’m bored to tears, having to force myself to concentrate on what Hannah is saying.

“And so my sister,” she laughs, “accidentally set fire to our kitchen when she was only seven. She just stood there watching while the flames climbed higher and higher. Thankfully, she finally screamed. By then, the flames had reached the ceiling. We had to call the fire department, and they had to evacuate the whole building! It was chaos, but looking back, it’s a pretty funny story. She’s never been able to live it down.”

I smile and laugh softly. “I’m sure.” It’s a great story. Hannah is interesting, dammit. Why am I struggling to stay focused on her?

Paisley walks across the far side of the hall, and I know exactly why. She’s wearing another sexy dress. I’m not sure whether to fire Sally or to send her flowers. The dress is plain black but is anything but plain on her. It hugs every curve of her body, the slit on the side showing off just the right amount of leg. My eyes can’t help but follow her as she moves with effortless grace. She catches my eye for a brief moment, but turns her head away immediately.

I overstepped this morning. I shouldn’t have told her all those details about myself or demanded to know why she doesn’t date. It’s intriguing to me that she’s never dated. Not once since her divorce two years ago. She interests me to the point of distraction.

“Arctic,” Hannah says. “Hello.” She waves a hand in front of my face.

“Shit! Sorry.” I shake my head. “I didn’t get much sleep last night.” It’s all true. I had a bad night. I often have them.

Hannah giggles. “You spaced out big time.”

“I’m really sorry. What were you saying?”

“Still about my sister; I said that the whole fire incident earned her a nickname she hasn’t been able to shake.” Her eyes are bright.

“What would that be?”

“As backstory, my sister has an above-average intelligence. She always has. So, we started calling her Brightspark.”

I laugh, and Hannah joins in, her blue eyes dancing. Her blonde hair is pulled into a chignon at the nape of her neck. Soft wisps of hair frame her face. She’s beautiful and smart and quite lovely. I need to get my head out of my ass.

“The story about your sister was entertaining, but I’d like to hear more about you.”

She gives me a look that tells me she’s interested. I wish I could feel more for her. Even just a sliver of attraction would be nice; it really would.

I don’t.

My cock stays flaccid in my pants.

My eyes are drawn back to one female. I ignore the pull. I have to. It doesn’t matter that she’s interesting and sexy…so fucking sexy it makes my head spin. It doesn’t matter that she reacted to me yesterday on a primal level. Paisley was turned on. I could see it…her heart quickened, her breathing, too. Her nipples pulled tight, and her pussy turned slick…slick and ready for me. It took everything in me not to climb the desk and to take her right there like the animal I am deep inside.

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.

“It’s just a walk, beautiful. Nothing more. You can tell me your name, you know.”

I need to forget Arctic and have some fun. Maggie was adamant about that part. In fact, I hear her voice in my head telling me to live a little. I need to get on with my life and now is the time.

“Um…it’s Paisley and sure…why not?” Crap! What am I doing?

He smiles broadly. Drake is very handsome. I’m sure he’s too young for me, but what the hell.

Forget Arctic.

Have fun.

It’s my new mantra. One thing I can say that is refreshing is that at least I haven’t thought about Jim and Lexi and their soon-to-be-born baby in a while.

Sweet progress!

“Okay, then, Paisley. Shall we go?” He holds out his elbow like a gentleman, and I smile and take it.

I can do this.

I can.

“Okay.”

I can do this.

Nope.

No, I can’t.

I know right then that I’m going to let Drake walk me to my door and that I’m going to leave it at that and say goodnight.

“So, are you enjoying your stay on—?” Drake starts to ask, a smile toying with the edges of his mouth.

“Paisley,” Arctic says from behind me in a voice that sends chills up my spine.

What is he doing out here?

I turn, dropping Drake’s arm. “Arctic.” I frown.

He looks pissed, although I’m not sure why. His hands are clenched into tight fists. His eyes are blazing. His jaw is tight.

What? Why?

“Your Majesty.” The guard bows low.

“Where are you going?” he growls. His eyes are narrowed on me.

What the…?

“I was going home.” I’m still frowning. I use my thumb to point down the hallway behind me. “Um…and Drake offered to escort me there.”

“I’m sure he did.” There is a definite edge to his voice. “Go back to your post, guard,” he all but snarls at poor Drake, who withers beneath Arctic’s stare.

“Right away, Sire.” Drake bows low again and then gives me a pained look before hurrying back to the entrance of the reception hall.

“I will escort you to your apartment,” Arctic tells me.

“No, that really isn’t necessary,” I say, getting irritated. I’m not sure what his problem is or why he’s making a scene. “I’m fine. I’ll manage.” I start to walk away. “You need to get back in there. Why are you even here? You shouldn’t be here.”

“I came to check on you, and good thing, too…” Arctic starts to say as he closes the space between us. The sound of boots on tiles behind us has us both turning back. Four guards follow us. Another one rushes to join them.

“Can’t I get a moment of fucking peace?” Arctic says under his breath. “Let’s go, Paisley.” He puts a hand on my back and ushers me up the hallway and around the corner. There’s a door up ahead that is labeled “Cleaning Supplies.”

“Stay out here!” he barks at the guards, who nod.

Then he opens the door and gestures for me to go inside.

“What are you doing?” I ask as he turns on the light switch. The space is filled with an array of cleaning materials, from chemicals to mops.

“We need to talk,” he tells me. “Please,” he adds, even though it seems to pain him to do it.

I go inside, and he closes the door, sealing us in. The space suddenly feels tiny. Arctic takes up all of the room. The air thins…or at least, that’s how it feels.

“What is wrong with you?” I can’t believe he’s acting this way. Like I did something wrong. I didn’t. It’s completely out of character; he’s normally so together.

The scent of pine and lemon fills my nose, as well as the scent of him.

“Can you please explain to me why you left that hall? Actually, don’t bother; I can see why you left. You were planning on fucking one of my guards instead of doing your job, is that it, Paisley?”

I gasp because I can’t believe what I’m hearing. The audacity of this man.

“No! That’s not it at all. I can’t believe you followed me to accuse me of—”

“That’s how it looked to me.” His eyes are bright. They have this intense look. His whole body is bristling. His jaw looks like it’s been carved from granite, it’s so tight.

“Why are you even out here? Shouldn’t you be dancing and flirting with that cute blonde? She’s lovely, by the way. That’s where you should be.” I point in the general direction of the hall.

“It’s where you should be doing your damned job,” he snarls.

“I did my job the whole night. Cathy has everything under control. She doesn’t need me. What has gotten into you?” I frown.

“And so, you left early to be with that male.” He’s angry.

Why?

This makes no sense.

“He was escorting me back to my apartment. That’s it!”

“Is that what you’re calling it nowadays? Escorting?”

“Calling what?” I sound just as exasperated as I feel.

“That male wanted to fuck you, and you were accepting his offer. Do you want to be fucked, Paisley?” He steps in close. So close that his button-down shirt brushes against me. Just a hint of a touch. “Answer me. Do. You. Want. To. Be. Fucked?”

“It’s none of your business,” I manage to get out.

“I’m making it my business.” His face is just an inch from mine. His eyes level with mine.

I can’t breathe. I can’t think.

“Fuck it!” he snarls before crushing his lips to mine.

It’s so unexpected that my eyes go wide, and for a second, I want to push him away. I should push him away, the asshole. Only I don’t. Instead, I grip his biceps and moan into his mouth. His body is hot and hard, pressed up against me. His mouth is demanding. I melt into him and whimper, holding onto him like my life depends on it.

My brain turns to mush, and I clutch at him, my knees going weak like a stupid teenager. It’s hot and heavy, and I whimper some more, grinding against him.

He squeezes my breast through the silk of my dress, his thumb brushing over my nipple. His hands are big and hot, and I’m embarrassed when I groan low and deep, even though he’s barely touching me. It’s loud and desperate.

I am desperate.

“Paisley,” he growls against my mouth. Then he’s pulling my leg up. The one with the slit in my dress. His hand clasps my thigh and then my ass.

I think he mutters a curse against my mouth, but I’m too busy kissing, feeling…groaning to be sure of anything.

His mouth, his scent, him. I’m lost. I’m done.

When he puts his hand between my legs and strokes my clit softly through my panties, I groan again and pant out, “Yes…oh!”

I’m halfway to a damned orgasm, and he’s barely touching me.

“You’re wet,” he says against my mouth. “For me.”

“Yes.”

He strokes me again with just the right pressure. I think he’s using his thumb against my clit, which throbs. I rock against his hand. I want him to rip my underwear from my body. I want him to take me up against the wall. I just…I want him.

There is a hard knock at the door.

“Arctic! Are you in there?” someone snarls. I recognize the voice but can’t place it.

He pulls away from me, his eyes on mine; they’re hazy with desire.

“It’s me, Steel.” There’s another hard knock.

“I hear you,” Arctic says. “I’m trying to have a private conversation with my employee.” He lowers my leg, pulls down my dress, and sucks in a deep breath. “I need a minute,” he says in a softer tone, his eyes on me.

Arctic moves away, and thankfully, I stay standing upright. I don’t melt into a puddle.

“I’m sorry,” he tells me in a low voice. “Fuck! I’m sorry, Paisley. I shouldn’t have said those things. I shouldn’t have followed you or kissed you,” he whispers to me. “Maybe it’s better if you report to Thorn going forward.”

I feel instantly hurt. It’s stupid. I nod. “Yes, I think that would be a good idea. Go back to the party. Go back to her. It’s where you belong.” I hate saying the words.

His eyes are still blazing. His jaw is still tight. He nods his head once. “You’re right. I will.” Then he opens the door to the closet.

“Is it so hard to give me a few minutes of peace? I had to hole myself in a closet, for fuck’s sake,” he rasps as he leaves the small space. Then he turns back to me. “Will you make it back to your apartment okay, or do you need someone to escort you there?”

Really?

I have to work not to roll my eyes or to snort-laugh. So now it’s okay to send me to my apartment with an escort, but not before.

He’s a dick.

“I’ll be fine.”

He seems to relax. “Good night, Miss Reed.”

“Night.” There’s nothing good about it. “Nice to see you,” I say to Steel, who’s standing at the door.

“You too, Paisley.” He’s frowning deeply. Like he knows more went down than just a simple conversation, and I can’t say I blame him. We look guilty as hell. My cheeks are hot. My body is hot after that.

I force myself to walk away without looking back.

So, I’ll be reporting to Thorn going forward. Good! I’ve never been happier about anything in my life. Especially after I almost let Arctic have sex with me in a janitor’s closet up against the wall with a whole lot of guards outside.

What’s wrong with me?

I need to put it behind me. It’s done. I just wish I never had to see Arctic again.