Page 77 of Consumed By Fire
“You have to.”
He looks away. When he looks back, I see frustration all over his face. “I won’t be able to relax unless I know you’re taken care of.”
“For the last time, thank you, but I am no longer your responsibility. I never was, and I never will be.” It hurts me to say it to him, but I have to. “This baby isn’t yours.”
His gaze clouds. “You can say whatever you want and push me away as much as you want, but it won’t work. You are now in my heart, whether you like it or not. You and the baby both.”
Holy shit!
A tear tracks down my cheek. I sniff. Dammit. Why did he have to say that?
Be strong!
“Which means that you will be on my mind often. All the fucking time, if I’m honest. I refuse to lie awake nights worrying about you.”
“I’m not coming with you,” I insist.
“I know.” He squeezes my hands. “I want you to come back tomorrow, late afternoon. Come at 3.”
“Why?” I cock my head and narrow my eyes. I don’t like where this is going.
“I want you to meet me here. I’ll bring you some money—”
“No.” I shake my head. “I won’t take your money. I shouldn’t have told you all of that stuff about not having a place to go. I will be fine. I swear it.”
“You will be fine, because I’m going to make sure of it.”
I start to argue, but he kisses me. It’s soft and sweet. He cups my face and moans into my mouth before pulling back. “Please don’t argue,” he says as he lets me go. “If you can’t do it for yourself, then do it for me. I’ll be able to live my life if I know you’re okay. That he’s okay.” He puts a warm hand to my belly. “Meet me here tomorrow…do it for me and for him…please,” he pleads. “Please, Little Red. Don’t make me beg. I will if I have to.”
I nod. “I will come. Thank you for caring so much.”
“Be careful.” He cups my jaw again and kisses me softly. This time, it is goodbye. I watch him turn and start to leave. He waves just before he disappears underground.
I can’t help but feel relieved that this isn’t the final goodbye. It’s wrong of me. So wrong!
24
Octane
Below me, the lush green canopy of the jungle stretches out as far as the eye can see. The sun dips low on the horizon, painting the sky in pinks, oranges, and purples. It’s beautiful. Or it would be if I cared to really take it in. I don’t!
I feel numb inside.
I can’t help it. I bank to the right, feeling the wind over my scales as I catch the air currents. I shouldn’t be in my dragon form. I will get into all kinds of shit if a patrol finds me like this without a rider or a bonded dragon to oversee me.
I don’t care.
Fuck it!
I’m delaying going back to camp, even though I’m fucking exhausted. I’ve only just healed up. My body used a lot of energy over the last few days.
I don’t feel like facing anyone, but I have to head back; I’ve delayed too long already.
I slowly descend, seeing the tops of the bungalows. Home sweet home. Only it doesn’t feel like home anymore. I know I sound mopey and depressed, but I don’t care. I’m allowed to wallow in self-pity, even if it’s just for a short time.
I shift, grumbling under my breath when I see Dagger walking toward me. I don’t feel like talking. I have nothing to say, especially to both him and Shadow. I’m pissed at them. It feels a whole lot like betrayal, even if it came from a good place.
“You good?” he asks.