Page 258 of Red Marked

“You told us about him, sis.” Koda pushes past me and sticks out his hand. “You’re the Draiger who helped my sister.”

Flint shakes it. “Yep. That would be me.”

“Star told us everything.” Koda is still pumping his hand.

I didn’t tell him everything. Not by a long shot.

“Thank you for helping Star.”

“She got herself home. It was nothing.” He shrugs.

“That’s not how she tells it.”

Flint glances at me, and I bite my lip.

“Did I hear someone say Flint?” Mom comes out of the kitchen. She takes one look at him, and her hands are on his face the same way they were on mine.

He smiles.

“Thank you.” She’s kissing his cheek. “Thank you for bringing my girl back to me.”

“Ma’am.” He pats her back. “It was…um… You’re welcome.”

“Come in. Come in, come in.” She has him by the arm. “Sit down. Have you eaten? You look like you need food.”

She looks my way. “He’s cute,” she mouths.

Oh my word!

He lets himself be steered into the living room and sits on the edge of the couch with his elbows on his knees. He looks at the door and then at me.

Why is he here?

He said he’d be in touch about my position. Maybe Atlas has changed his mind. Maybe something has happened with Holt. Maybe⁠—

“Coffee?” Mom is hovering. “Tea? I have pot roast from last night. It’s my own recipe. I use a secret blend of herbs and spices.”

“Another family recipe?” Flint says.

“I have a book of them,” my mom tells him. “One day it will belong to my Star.”

Holy hell! How do I get him away from her?

“About that roast, I can heat some up in two minutes.”

“I’m fine, thank you,” Flint says.

“Are you sure? A big male like you?” She looks him over.

I have to hold back a giggle.

“He’s fine, Mom.”

Koda is leaning in the doorway with his arms folded and no intention of going anywhere. Whatever this is, I’m not finding out with an audience.

“Do you want to go for a walk and—?” I ask.

Flint is on his feet before I finish the sentence. “I would love that. Excuse us.” He looks at my mom and Koda.