Page 128 of Red Marked

I’ve never slept with a female before.

I’ve taken flak for not staying over, even though I’ve always been clear about where I stand. I only ever fuck. That’s it. That’s all it will ever be.

It’s better not to blur lines.

In this case, it’s not like we have a choice since there’s only one bed. I’m not sleeping on the floor.

Star and I have unfinished business. When we leave for the rehabilitation center, we’ll be done. Until then, she’s all mine.

38

Flint

Something is ringing. I slap a hand across the nightstand until I find my phone and drag it to my ear. Nothing. The screen glows up at me, dark and silent, and the ringing keeps on going. I realize that it’s coming from across the room.

What?

Wait!

It’s the hotel phone.

Is it hotel management? What the hell?

Star makes a sleepy sound and rolls into the warm spot I’ve left. I get out from under the comforter and pick up the handset on the desk.

“What is it?” I bark in a groggy voice.

“What the hell have you been doing?” It’s Magma. “Where the fuck have you been?”

“I—”

“Why haven’t you looked at your phone? I’ve been leaving you messages since early yesterday evening. I’ve called you…I don’t know how many times. What the hell, Flint?”

Oh, shit!

My phone. He’s right. Fuck! I haven’t looked at it since before we left for the bar last night.

Crap.

I stretch the cord as far as it goes, snag my cell off the nightstand, and thumb the screen. Eleven unread messages. Nine of them from Magma. Eight missed calls. All Magma.

Shiiiiiiiit.

No wonder he’s pissed.

“We turned in early,” I say. “My phone was on silent. We overslept.”

“We?” A pause. “Why are you speaking in plural? Are you in bed with the Red female?”

“I’m investigating with Star; that’s why. What is going on?”

“Don’t think I didn’t notice you dodging my question, Flint.”

“I’m not dodging anything. What’s going on?”

Star is sitting up. The comforter has slid to her waist. Her breasts look even better in the morning light. Her hair is a tangle down one shoulder. She’s watching me with her head to one side.

I should look away so my brain will work.