Page 248 of Red Marked

Scarlet tugs on my arm and looks at the entrance.

My heart speeds up before I’ve even turned my head.

I know he’s there. I feel my body react.

Yep, he’s in the doorway. His shirt is tight around his chest, and there’s light stubble on his face. He spots me, smiles, and lifts a hand.

“I’ll be back soon,” I tell Scarlet.

“Take your time.” She gives me a look, followed by a smile.

I told her everything when I got back from fetching Holt earlier. I told her about Flint, and Jett too. I gave her the whole story. The uncut version. Everything that happened and exactly what he did. She’s the only one I’m confiding in about Jett. As far as everyone else knows, I found out it was Jett; he panicked, went into semi-shift, and broke through his ceiling. Then he packed a bag and ran. His car will be found in a parking lot that doesn’t have any CCTV cameras. He will never be found again and will be presumed to be on the run.

The handful of us who know the real deal will take it to our graves.

Ever since I told her about Flint, she’s been pushing me to find him and tell him how I feel. I said no. He’s the one with the hang-ups, not me. I’ve made it clear that I like him. If anything is going to be said, it’s up to him to say it.

And here he is.

Oh my word! My heart is racing.

He might not be here for that.

It might be something else. I need to calm myself right down.

“Hi,” Flint says.

“Hi.”

“Walk with me?”

We go out the side door and along the path next to the admin block. It’s a really nice, sunny day.

I’m struggling to breathe.

Please let him feel the same as I do.

Please!

“How are they all doing?” He nods back at the building.

“They’re loud and overfed. Willow has showered four times.” I smile. “They’re doing great. They’re loving being back.”

“I’m sure they are.” He puts his hands in his pockets. “Are you all ready to leave?”

“Oh yes! I can’t wait.”

He laughs. “Do your parents know you’re coming?”

“No. I want to surprise them.” My throat tightens. “I’m going to knock on the door, and they’ll lose their minds. I can’t wait. I hope Koda is home. If not, I’ll have one of them call him and make something up to get him back.” I smile. “It’s going to be epic.”

“Yes, it will.”

“I can’t wait, Flint. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up back in the jungle.”

“You’re not.”

We keep walking. Taking it slow.