Page 29 of Red Marked

He doesn’t speak for the longest time. I can tell he is thinking about what to say next. Flint is frowning, and his jaw works.

He pulls in a breath. “I ordered my team to go back to the clinic if I do not return.”

That’s unexpected. He has essentially left himself vulnerable.

Why?

“But know that my contact at Draig Island will be informed that I’m missing. He knows where to come looking,” he tells me. “You should know that Magma isn’t just the head of security on my island; he’s also a good friend. Draig Security will come in full force to find me.”

“Why did you come?” I ask him.

“I’m here for the Draig females. Are they here?”

I don’t answer him.

“I know what I saw. I know that there are Draig females here. You don’t need to answer. I came to help…not just them but all of you as well.”

I shake my head.

“Let me help you.” He keeps his eyes on mine.

“You can’t help us,” I tell him, shaking my head. “I wish you could…but you can’t.”

11

Flint

“So, what happens now, Star?” I ask. “I’m assuming that’s your name. Your angry friend, Scarlet, called you that.”

She nods once.

“Pretty name.”

Her eyes roll. “That won’t work, so save it.”

“What won’t work?” I shrug, knowing exactly what she’s talking about.

My charm has gotten me into a lot of places. I had hoped it would get me into her good books.

“You can stop with the flirty, charming bullshit. It will just piss me off.”

I nod, trying not to smile.

Oh well, it was worth a try.

“My males are waiting. They will start to get antsy soon. I don’t want them making any rash decisions.”

“I thought you told them to leave without you if you don’t return.”

“I did, but they’re loyal and don’t always listen to me, especially in situations like this.”

“Have you been in a situation like this before?”

“You know what I mean.” I squeeze the back of my neck.

The fire has started to get low.

Star tosses in a log or two while she thinks it through.