Page 223 of Red Marked

He doesn’t move toward it. He locks the handle into the machine and presses a button, and the grinder whines. The ringing goes on until it stops.

He takes a can of whipped cream out of the refrigerator and shakes it. Then he squirts a swirl on top of the cup, reaches for the cinnamon, and shakes it over the top with a flick of his wrist. He walks over and puts it down in front of me, turning the handle so it faces my hand.

“Just the way you like it, babe. It’s Ethiopian dark roast.” He leans on the island across from me and watches me. “Single origin. There’s a guy who brings it in from the Mainland, and I get the first bag off the line. It costs a small fortune, but it’s worth every penny. You wouldn’t believe the flavor. It’s almost like blueberries. Try it.” He looks down at the mug. “I’ll bring some over to your mom’s when we go. Only the best for my love.”

I wrap both hands around the cup so he can see me hold it.

My phone starts ringing again.

This time Jett’s head turns toward the purse, and a growl comes out of his chest, low and rough. He stares at it until it stops. Then he looks at me.

“We should probably see who that is,” I say carefully.

“I’m sure it’s your boss.” He says the word like it’s a joke. “He cares a lot about you.”

“We work in a close-knit team.” I keep my voice even. “He’s been helping me get home. To my family. To my loved ones.”

“He did bring you back to me.” Jett nods. “Credit where it’s due.”

“He’ll want to know if I’m heading back with him today.” I glance at the clock above the stove. “We’re due to leave in two hours.”

“I already told him you were staying.”

The cup jerks in my hands. Coffee slops over the rim and runs down my knuckles.

“You saw Flint?”

“Yep. Last night, when I fetched your things.” He pushes off the island and goes back to the machine. “He asked after you. I told him you needed to be here, with your family. He was very understanding.”

“He’ll want to hear it from me.” I put the cup down. “It’s what he’ll expect. I don’t leave things hanging. He knows that. I’m a diligent employee.”

“Is that all it is?” He lifts his brows. “It felt like he was waiting for you. He dashed out of his room the second he heard me at your door.”

He’s stopped with his back to me, his hand on the machine. He looks at me over his shoulder, and there’s something in his eyes that wasn’t there a second ago.

“He’s my boss, and I guess we’ve become friends.” I frown like I don’t understand the question. “What else would it be?”

He holds it for a moment. Then he relaxes and laughs. It’s easy and warm.

“Of course. I mean, you’ve already got a soon-to-be mate. You wouldn’t let another male touch you, would you, Star?”

“What? The way you wouldn’t let another female touch you?” I know I shouldn’t goad him, but I can’t help it.

Is he for real?

He swallows, his face going red. “We spoke about that, Star. I cleared it up, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did. There is nothing between Flint and me.” I tell him what he needs to hear. “Of course there isn’t.” I don’t want anyone getting hurt. I have no idea what Jett is capable of.

He smiles and goes back to the coffee.

My phone rings again.

Jett swears under his breath.

“He’s going to know something is wrong.” The words come fast. “You need to understand who he is. He’s head of security. He’s running that clinic, and when the second one opens, he’ll be running that too. He’s going to be in charge of all of it. He isn’t some lowly guard on a gate, Jett, and he isn’t stupid. If I go quiet on the morning we’re supposed to fly out, he’s going to wonder why. I need to tell him myself that I’m not going to make it today. That I’m choosing to stay here with you.”

He groans. His face screws up.