Page 82 of Jacob

I want to scoop Skye into my arms, tell her I love her and thatI’llbe back, but I can’t.

As Owen and I begin to leave the room, Owen says, “You have a tattoo?” He points at Skye’s ankle, bending to get a better look.

For a moment, she and I exchange a look. I’m not sure what she’s thinking, but I know she doesn’t want him to see the watercolor bird symbolizing her and me when she tucks her foot back inside the bedcovers.

“It’s cool,” Owen comments.

Giving Skye a quick wave, I push my hands into my pockets and, with a heavy heart, exit the room.

“I’ll text you when I get my phone back,” Skye calls after us.

“Okay,” Owen replies.

I think that was meant for me.

The two of us, who usually have so much to talk about, walk back along the hall in silence. I’m likely to lose it with him if anything stupid falls out of his mouth.

“Jacob,” a voice calls from the end of the long corridor.

I stop in my tracks when Seth jogs toward us.

“I just wanted to thank you, personally, for everything.” He flings his arms around me in a giant hug of appreciation. “We wouldn’t have got her back without your help.”

As quick as the hug started, it finishes: prompt and to the point. Eyes full of emotion, Seth steps away from me.

“Owen.” He nods in a parting gesture, and he walks back in the direction of Skye’s private room.

Owen stares at me. “What did you do?”

“I hired a PI.”

“Shit. How much was that?”

At half a million, the money was never an issue. “Doesn’t matter how much it was. She’s back and safe.” He follows me when I take a step in the direction of the side exit but doesn’t say anything else until we’re outside. There are too many news teams and reporters hanging about outside the main entrance, all desperate to speak to Skye and her parents.

“Thanks for doing that.” He runs his hands through his blond hair.

“Well, someone had to do something,” I say through gritted teeth. I’m irked by his aloof manner.

“My father will pay your family back.”

“No need.”

“Skye is my responsibility.”

My head jolts back. “Oh really? Since when?”

“Since always.”

“You are fucking kidding me, right?” My blood boils in my veins. “Do you even know what Skye’s favorite movie is?” My voice is full of irritation.

He frowns. “What kind of question is that?”

“What is it?” I stand and wait for an answer.

“Spider-Man.” He holds his hands out to the sides as if to say,what a stupid question.

My voice on the rise, I correct him. “It’sThe Princess Bride. And what about her favorite book?”

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