Page 208 of Chandelier Enthralled
I waved that off. “We have to find somewhere to stay tonight.”
“The tide,” he said, nodding. “How did you know I’d be here?”
“I went to the office. You told Jewel’s secretary you were building Jewel a mausoleum.”
His lips twitched with amusement, and then his expression became serious. “And she told you Jewel would be here?”
“Yes.”
He mulled that over. “Want a drink?”
I’d planned on following Jewel, but us staying together and me keeping an eye on him was a better idea than facing Jewel and her murderous sidekick. It would give me time to persuade Greyson to come home.
“We have to find Cameron and the others,” I said.
We headed back to the ballroom.
Within seconds, Greyson had snagged a glass of champagne off a tray.
“I don’t want anything to dull my senses,” I said.
“Fake it,” he said. “The more we blend in the better.”
Within the shadows, we stood back, scanning the room.
“I need you to know that Amelia’s murderer is here,” I said. “I saw him talking with Jewel.”
“When?”
“About ten minutes ago.”
His jaw tightened.
I had lost Jewel, but we were all stuck on an island, and she couldn’t go far.
Now I just had to keep Greyson out of trouble for the night.
My curiosity had me wondering what was behind that tapestry.
I pulled out my phone and texted Cameron, almost biting through my lip with the stress of having to share I was here and that I had also found Greyson.
Cameron’s reply:“Hunker down in a room until we get there.”
“What does he say?” asked Greyson.
“Cameron wants us to find a room. They’re almost here.”
He gave me a nod, but it wasn’t convincing.
“Listen to me,” I said, reaching for his hand. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Greyson. You’re remarkable. This might not be the place to say it, but I love you.”
He pulled me into a hug, wrapping his arms around me, and I relaxed against him, feeling safe, feeling nurtured and protected.
“I’ve spent my entire life building walls, not just in the world around me, but within my heart. Each one was a fortress, a defense against feeling too much. But somehow, you came into my life, and without even trying, you’ve torn down the ones that kept me from happiness.” He planted a kiss on the top of my head. “Willa, I never thought I’d find myself saying this, but you have become more precious to me than I ever dreamed possible. In your presence, I’ve discovered a depth of love I never thought I was capable of feeling.”
I pulled away and looked up at him. “Then please, come with me now. We can find a room like Cameron suggested. We can wait for them there. Once we get back to the States, we can all rethink this.”
He gave me a sad smile. “I know you want that.”
