Page 85 of Red Fire

“You don’t have to do that.” I shake my head.

“I want to. I don’t mind waiting,” he tells me.

“I know you don’t mind, but here’s the thing: you’ve done so much for me already. You—”

“I don’t mind,” he insists.

“I know you don’t.” He’s such a great guy. Always trying to do the right thing. It solidifies my decision. It’s the right one. “But you’re not responsible for me anymore. It’s not your job to take care of me, to keep me safe. I’m good…I’m fine, and all thanks to you.”

“Don’t discount your quick thinking and—”

“It was thanks to you. Your job is done now. I’ll be okay, I swear. I’ll hang out here at the castle and then catch a flight home. I will take helicopter lessons, become a pilot, and follow my dreams. I want you to follow yours. Reach for the stars, Creed.” Damn! I’m feeling a tightness in my chest. My stomach is in knots. I don’t want to say goodbye.

He nods a few times, his hands still in his pockets. “I could visit you before you—”

“No…don’t. Don’t do anything to ruin what you are starting up again with Aspen. I’ll be fine. I swear!”

“You’re sure?” He lifts his brows, looking me in the eye.

I bite my lip for a moment, feeling emotional. He’s so beautiful inside and out. This is harder than I thought it would be.

I force out a laugh. “Look at us getting all emotional. Maybe it’s just me.” I laugh harder. “We went through a ton together.”

“We did.”

“I’m going to miss you, buddy,” I say as I hug him.

Buddy. Where did that come from? It’s cringeworthy, to say the least.

“I’ll miss you too.” He hugs me a little tighter. I’m trying not to think about how great he smells or how good his arms feel around me.

Then someone clears their throat, and we let go of each other. It’s a beautiful woman. She has dark hair with reddish highlights that catch the sun. Her eyes are chestnut but with prominent green flecks in them. She’s freaking gorgeous. She could be on the cover of any magazine.

“You must be the human…Octavia.” She beams at me. “I am Star.”

“Yes, I am she. It is good to meet you. Excuse me a sec,” I tell her, turning back to Creed. “You should go. Aspen is waiting for you. I wish I could call you from time to time.” I sigh.

I know it’s better that we can’t communicate. That after this, we will never see each other again.

“Take care of yourself, Octavia,” he tells me before turning and walking out.

I force my eyes back to Star and work hard at keeping them there. I refuse to watch Creed as he walks away. This is a clean break. It happened before we had a chance to get too attached.

It hurts.

It shouldn’t, but it does. I know that it won’t last. It can’t! Shew! I got out just in time. I dodged a bullet. I might have ended up stuck on Mistveil, living with dragons.

Only, the thought isn’t so bad. I picture Creed’s house with children playing in the garden. He’s in the arms of a woman. It isn’t me this time; it’s Aspen. They make a fantastic couple. It hurts, but I need to get over it already.

“Sorry, what was that?” I realize that Star said something to me.

“We need to get you some clothes and some toiletries. But first, let me show you to your room. Follow me.” We start walking.

I nod, feeling like I am on autopilot. I’m suddenly really tired. I think it’s from pretending to be happy when I’m not. At least I won’t have to pretend anymore.

“We have a whole kitchen that operates from six in the morning until eleven at night. You can order anything you like.”

“That’s handy. I might get a whole tub of Rocky Road,” I mutter more to myself.