Page 113 of Red Marked

“I have absolutely no idea. This is unexplored territory. For now, I don’t fuck.”

I hold his gaze a beat longer than is comfortable for either of us.

“Look, I respect that, and I respect you. Okay…cool. Forget I asked.”

“Thank you, Star.”

I grab my clothes and the red wig and head into the bathroom with my purse. “I’ll be quick. I can’t wait to get my hands on those wings.”

I would have preferred my hands on him, but what can you do?

“Take your time.” Flint smiles. “I really am sorry.”

“You can stop apologizing. Besides, it’s your loss.” I wink at him and close the door. The clothes are bunched against my chest, and my pulse is pounding in my ears.

I’m a little embarrassed, but I’ll get over it.

It’s probably for the best. He’s right; we have to work together, and we have to concentrate on figuring out who the guy in the suit is so everyone can go home.

I tie my hair in a knot on my head. The shower is hot. When I get out, I towel off, wipe a clear patch in the fogged mirror, and unzip the little makeup bag.

I put on some makeup, including a little lipstick and some green eyeshadow that highlights my eyes.

Then I put on the black lace panties Flint will never see. Then the jeans, which sit low on my hips. Then the top.

It’s covered in tiny silver sequins, the exact color of my scales, and has thin straps with an open back, so I can’t wear a bra. I was naughty for getting this, but it was on sale, so I went for it. It stops an inch above the waistband and throws scattered light across the tiles every time I breathe.

Lastly, I pull the wig onto my head, pushing all of my dark locks inside.

Then I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself. Actually, I quite like being a redhead. Scarlet would laugh her head off if she saw me now. We might be able to pass as twins.

I step into my pretty sandals and walk out.

Flint is on the edge of the bed, dressed, lacing his boots. He glances up.

The lace slips out of his fingers. His mouth drops open for half a second before he closes it and gets back to lacing.

I saw it.

I did.

That is exactly the look I was going for.

“Did I buy that top?” he asks, not looking up again.

“You did.”

“I have very good taste.”

I laugh under my breath.

“Let’s go.” He stands. “We should get to bed early. I’m hoping to hear from Magma soon so we can keep going with the investigation. We will also need to fetch your new ID, and then I can officially interview you for the position. I need to interview the other two candidates tomorrow afternoon as well. We need to keep this as official as possible. I don’t want anything coming back to me.”

I give him a look. “I thought I had the job in the bag.”

“We’ll see.”

I roll my eyes and shake my head, and Flint laughs.