Page 90 of Red Fire

“I think she feels the same about you.” When I shake my head, she goes on, “I know what I’m talking about, Creed. I know I shouldn’t be saying any of this. I should let her leave the island. Bide my time and then try again with you, but…I would never beable to live with myself. Besides, you would always have feelings for her. I would always be in her shadow.” A tear rolls down her cheek. “I can’t do it.” She shrugs. “You should go to her.”

“I can’t do that.” I shake my head again. “Octavia was clear about what she wanted. She was happy you came to the house. Happy you still wanted to be with me. You should have seen her smile; it was a mile wide.”

“Maybe she was a little too happy. Perhaps her smile was a little too wide. I think she wants the best for you. She must be a good female.” Aspen sniffs, trying to hold back more tears.

“She is. The best.” My voice chokes up a little. “I hated saying goodbye to her. My dragon has been driving me fucking insane ever since I first met her.”

“See…what did I say? You should go to her and tell her how you feel. There is a small part of me that hopes and prays I’m wrong.” She shrugs. “Maybe you’ll come back to me and forgive me. I don’t think I’m wrong. I think she’ll welcome you with open arms.” Another tear rolls down her cheek, and I feel like the biggest asshole alive.

I shake my head. “She has so much to go back to. Her father needs her and—”

“Go and tell her how you feel,” Aspen insists; more tears roll down her cheeks. “That’s the only way you’ll find out.”

Aspen is right. I’ve been denying it. Trying not to think about it, but it’s right there. My feelings are there. My dragon is right, and I am wrong. He knew, and I should have listened.

“I’m sorry,” I tell her.

“Me, too.” She wipes her eyes. “I will be fine. Now, go already.”

I nod, and then I’m racing to get dressed. I go back into the bathroom and hand Aspen her dress.

“You aren’t gone yet.” She gives me a sad smile. “Why haven’t you left?”

“I’m going to drop you at my parents’ house. I will explain to them what’s going on, and then I’ll go to the castle,” I tell her. “My mom and dad are expecting us. I need to do the right thing. It’s not like Octavia is going anywhere tonight.”

“Are you sure? I can—”

“I’m sure,” I tell her.

“You’re an honorable male,” she tells me. “I should never have let you get away. It will always be my biggest regret.”

31

Octavia

I stuff another handful of popcorn into my mouth, crunching as I eat. I’m propped up on a multitude of pillows in my huge bed, watching TV.Bridgertonwas irritating me, so I’ve moved on. I started watching a movie, but that got sappy, so now I’m watching a cooking show. Contestants have to cook something fit for a fine dining restaurant with only five ingredients. It’s riveting.

I’m wearing a pair of silk pajamas and a warm, fluffy robe. I turned up the air conditioning just so that I could wear the thing. It’s comforting. That’s exactly what I need right now…comfort. I take another Reese’s Cup and put it in my mouth. I’ll wait for it to melt. There’s not much that is better.

There is a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I yell. I’m too lazy to move so much as a muscle. I’m going to lie right here until it’s time for my flight home. It’s funny how when I was wrapped in Creed’s arms, a week felt like the blink of an eye. Right now, picturing him and Aspen together, it feels like it’s going to take a freaking lifetime. I wish Icould leave already. The sooner I get on with my life, the better. The sooner I get away from here, the sooner I can start forgetting about him…us…the way I felt when I was with Creed.

Star sticks her head around the jamb and smiles. “I’m glad to see you are making use of our room service.”

I put the television on mute and then look down at all the wrappers, as well as the plate with remnants of ketchup smeared across it on the one side. Nothing beats a burger and fries as comfort food. Except for maybe popcorn. I have the half-empty bowl on my lap.

“I didn’t mean to bother you. It’s just that you seemed quite upset earlier.” She scrunches up her nose for a second. “I mean, you didn’t say anything about being distressed, but I could sense it on you.”

“It’s just that my dad is always home. If he goes out, it isn’t for long periods.” I tried calling him a second time when Star came around with clothes and toiletries a couple of hours after I arrived here. We filled in the paperwork, too, which I didn’t even read. I might have signed my whole life away, but there was no way I was reading all of that. It was a thick wad; took me twenty minutes just to sign and initial everything. My hand was cramping by the time we were done.

“It’s just strange that he hasn’t picked up, that’s all.” I shrug. “It’s probably nothing. I’m trying not to think about it too much. Do you want to take a seat?” I pat the side of my bed. I suppose that the polite thing to do would be to get out of bed and have a proper conversation. I veto the idea immediately.

“No, that’s fine.” She smiles. “I’m good. I thought I’d come by and give you another chance to reach your father. I know I’d be sick with worry. You can’t even go over to his house.”

I look at the time on the alarm clock next to my bed. The drapes are drawn, but I know it’s already dark and around dinner time. My dad will be home. He has to be. If he doesn’tpick up, I’ll convince Star to let me call my Aunt June. She’ll know what’s going on.

“That would be wonderful. You’re so kind.” I put the bowl of popcorn to one side and shift over to where the telephone is situated next to the bed.