Page 51 of Hidden Gem
But as he pulled away, she saw sadness lingering in his eyes. “I really hope they don’t come after you. Kathleen knows who you are. She might put things together.”
Marnie frowned. “I’m sorry I used the same fake name. I just panicked. I couldn’t think of anything else. I should have planned something.”
Jason shook his head. “Let’s not worry about it yet. I’m pretty sure Kathleen’s health is bigger news than my love life. I really hope so.”
Marnie’s skin prickled. God, she hoped he was right. What if Kathleen came after her? Was she ready for this? From the moment they met, she’d wanted so badly to help Jason. Nothing else mattered. She’d placed her hands on Jason’s chest, letting his heartbeat flow through her, settle her.
“I don’t regret anything,” she whispered. She didn’t regret a moment they’d spent together, even though she could sense the inevitable end, somewhere on the horizon. But here, within his gravitational field, she felt incapable of long-term thinking. Unable to save herself. She’d follow him to the ends of the earth and feel this alive, for as long as she could.
A sound of footsteps behind the door made them both look up.
“We better go,” Jason whispered.
He guided her down the stairs, through the same endless hallways to the lift they’d taken up from the carpark. His hand rested on her back, then on her arm, never breaking contact. Down at the underground carpark, he unlocked the doors of their rental car, a smile lighting up his face. “I hope you like the Airbnb I booked. It’s a bit different.”
Chapter 24
Jason parked outsidethe Airbnb, excitement making his blood sizzle. He hadn’t told Marnie anything about the accommodation. A lighthouse. The only one you could stay at on the entire island. He could have paid more for luxury, but nothing beat a real lighthouse, right?
He shot Marnie a sideways glance. “Are you ready?”
He jumped out of the car, marvelling at how easily his legs carried his weight. The acid build-up that usually tightened his every muscle was gone. The magic of sleep. He circled around to open the door for Marnie.
She rolled her eyes at the chivalry but winced as she stood and stretched her arms over her head.
“Does it hurt?” he asked, ashamed that he’d forgotten about her condition. She hadn’t mentioned it again, but every now and then, a shadow crossed her face, making him wonder.
Marnie shook her head. “Not too much. I’m just a bit tingly. And hungry.”
“I ordered some food. The fridge should be stocked.” Jason led her towards the steps.
She stopped at the foot of the stairs, blinking at the bright white, hexagonal structure rising from the rocky terrain. “A lighthouse?”
“Uh-huh.” Jason couldn’t help grinning. “You like it?”
Marnie stared in awe. “I love it! But I thought we were supposed to keep a low profile?”
