Page 69 of Red Marked

I need to make myself useful somehow. I put the empty mug down and open the refrigerator to see what he has. There are eggs, a full carton. That’s good. I grab them and put them on the counter.

I get everything else I need and start cooking the bacon. It’s weird to be able to heat something by turning a few dials. Again, I can’t believe how much I once took all of this for granted.

I decide to scramble the eggs while I wait for the bacon and go back to the refrigerator.

It’s in the door right at the bottom. I bend over, grabbing the milk, and then see some orange juice as well.

I reach for that.

“Jesus! Fuck!” Flint snarls from behind me.

I spin around, dropping the milk and clasping my chest. The milk bounces and lands on its side. Thankfully, the container is made of plastic and doesn’t break. I look up at Flint.

His eyes are wide. The front door is closed behind him.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, looking around his small apartment. I don’t get it. “What happened?”

He drags his fingers through his hair.

“Um…are you going to tell me?” I ask, sounding unsure.

He swallows thickly.

“You need to be a little more careful…okay?” He winces.

I still don’t get it.

“Careful of what?” I shrug. He looks shell-shocked. His cheeks are red.

“We’re not out in the mountains anymore, Star. This is an open-plan space we are sharing for the next few days.”

“Um…yes…and?” I still don’t understand. What am I missing?

“You had your ass in the air with your…with…” He rubs a hand over his face. “I’m just going to say it, Star. It’s going to come out crass, but so fucking be it. You had your pussy right out there.” He gestures toward the refrigerator. “I had a perfect visual, right down to the shade of pink.”

I gasp and cover my mouth with my hand. “Oh…shit! Oh…um…yeah! I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t…I…” I wince as well.

I’m mortified. He’s right. I had bent over with my ass in the air, and the shirt must have ridden right up.

“It’s not your fault…okay? I didn’t take it the wrong way, but you need to…I don’t know, think about what you’re doing and where you are…that’s all. We don’t whip our clothes off or walk around naked. We shift. We change. We face away. We keep in mind that humans are among us. We’re respectful of one another. We’re not fucking, Star. I don’t want to look at your pussy.” He shakes his head.

Holy crap.

Bury me now.

Why won’t the floor open up?

“I didn’t realize you were back.”

“We’re sharing my tiny-as-fuck apartment. You need to be more careful…please. The same applies to Mistveil City when you return. You’re back in civilization now. There’s a way of doing things.”

“I know that. I um…I…get it. I’m mortified.” I groan. “I know…I…I forgot, that’s all. I swear.”

“I know. I get it.” He holds up his hands. “Just be more aware going forward…that’s all. I suggest you watch some television today.” He points at the flatscreen on the wall. “Remind yourself of what it’s like to live in regular society. I don’t want you standing out more than you already do.”

“Why would I stand out?” I frown.

“You’re a Red female, for one. This island doesn’t have many of those. You may have even forgotten that since you were living out in the mountains with a whole group of Red females. You’re also very beautiful…”