Page 25

25

P aisley

“Hey, Paisley.” Maggie puts a hand on my leg and shakes me.

“Sorry. I’m so sorry.” I yawn. “Arctic stayed until late. Or early, depending on how you look at it. I’m pooped.”

He was like a man possessed. We had sex for what felt like hours. He barely pulled out of me unless it was to change position or to give me a few minutes to catch my breath after an orgasm. That was it.

His stamina was unreal. I think I came five or six times. I can’t remember. No, I can; it was six. The last time was a double orgasm, one straight after the other. The second more powerful than the first.

I was decidedly sore this morning. I still am…just a little.

I barely remember him leaving. I was done…finished…hollowed out. I think my muscles are getting a little stiff. I should stretch or it might be worse tomorrow.

I’m glad I could help him forget and feel better, but… No, no buts. He’s been honest with me about where we stand with one another. Last night was no exception.

Maggie shakes me again. “Earth to Paisley. You’re doing it again. It isn’t just a lack of sleep. You’re distracted. What’s going on? Although I can guess.”

I sigh. “I’m worried about Arctic. He wasn’t himself last night.”

“Can you blame him?”

I shake my head. “Not at all. I tried to be there for him…in the way he wanted me to be there.”

“Sexually, you mean?”

I nod. “I’m worried about him. I’ve sent him a few texts, but he hasn’t answered me.”

“His brother was beheaded earlier today, babe. It happened right in front of him. Hazard told me that he didn’t so much as flinch. He just stood there and watched like it was nothing. According to Hazard, Ice was a coward. He begged, he pleaded, he blamed Arctic, called him a murderer, but Arctic didn’t budge. Not even as the blade came down and his head rolled.”

I cringe internally just thinking about it. I feel so sorry for Arctic.

“He must be hurting.” My gut churns with worry. “You say he acted like it was nothing. It wasn’t nothing to him. He’s feeling it.” I rub my lips together. “He was different last night. I know I haven’t known him long, but it isn’t like him to ghost me. He’s hurting. I think he’s hurting really badly, but I don’t know what to do about it.” I realize I’m crying and wipe the tears from my cheeks. “I know he needs me. He needs someone.” I sniff.

“Oh, babe. I’m so sorry.” She rubs a hand up and down my back. “I can’t imagine what it must be like for him or for you. I mean, you care about him. I know how it goes. I tried to break up with Hazard, but he asked me for a little bit longer. He looked hurt. I said it was fine, even though I know I should put an end to it. But I like him and care for him, so I couldn’t turn him down. You care for Arctic in the same way. You like him and are friends with him.”

I nod. “Yep. I hate the thought of him hurting.”

“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.”

“It’s what he wants.”

“It’s what he thinks he wants.” My voice has a desperate edge, but I don’t care. “Please. If he turns me away, I’ll leave.”

I hear him breathing through the line. I almost hear him thinking it through.

“Be ready in twenty minutes,” he says. “If he turns you away, I don’t want arguments.”

“Understood.”

“Okay, then.” The line goes dead.

“He said yes,” I say.

“He said yes,” Maggie repeats, sounding surprised. Her eyes are big. “Tread carefully, Paisley. It’s the advice you gave me and to yourself, remember? This is starting to venture into more than just fucking.”

“I know.” I chew on my lip. “This isn’t a regular situation, though. Besides, I’d do this for anyone.”

“Of course you would.” Maggie smiles and finishes her last sip of wine. “I’ll go home. I could do with a night in my own bed…on my own. We’ll chat tomorrow.” She gasps. “Unless you need me sooner. You know I’m here for you.” She makes a face.

“You mean if Arctic doesn’t let me in?”

It’s a distinct possibility. I hate the idea. But at least he will know I tried.

Maggie nods. “If he doesn’t let you in and you’re feeling sad and lonely, come to me. I make a mean hot chocolate.”

“Deal.” We hug. I hope I don’t need that hot chocolate.