Page 59 of Rescuing Mia

I grin, pulling her close. “Incredible. Magical. Like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

She laughs softly, her breath warm against my skin. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

I press a kiss to her head, inhaling the sweet scent of her. “I can’t wait to tell you.”

We stay like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other’sarms, the gentle rocking of the boat a soothing lullaby. As I hold her—as I feel the steady beat of her heart against mine—this is exactly where I belong.

I tilt her face up to mine, my fingers tracing the delicate line of her jaw. Her eyes flutter closed, her lips parting slightly in anticipation. I lower my mouth to hers and taste the sweetness of her kiss. Warmth spreads through my chest, a joy that feels like coming home.

Chapter Twenty-Four

MIA

The gentle rockingof theSerenitylulls me into a reflective state as I sit on the deck, watching the sun dip toward the horizon. The past couple of days with Rigel replay in my mind like a highlight reel of unexpected joy.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Rigel’s voice startles me from my reverie. He settles into the chair beside me, his warmth radiating in the narrow space between us.

“Just thinking about the cruise so far.” A smile tugs at my lips, but it feels strained.

“And what about the cruise?” Rigel studies my face, his brow furrowing slightly.

I hesitate, my gaze drifting to the endless expanse of ocean stretching before us. Each nautical mile brings us closer to Sydney, to the end of this blissful bubble we’ve created on theSerenity.

“It’s been incredible,” I say softly, my voice barely audible over the crash of waves against the hull. “Almost too good to be true.”

“Mia, what’s going on? You know you can confide in me.” He reaches over, his fingers brushing mine.

“It’s nothing. I’m just wondering when I’m going to wake up from this dream, I guess.” I force a laugh, but it comes out hollow.

The truth is, each tick of the clock edges me closer to an unknown fate. Will Sydney bring the freedom I so desperately crave? Or will it be a catastrophic crash that shatters the world as I know it?

I think of the tablet hidden in my cabin and the weight of its secrets. Red Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, the company I once trusted, is neck-deep in illegal uranium trading. The Chinese government is after me too, desperate to bury the truth. They’ve already sent one assassin.

I feel safe aboard theSerenity, but what happens after we dock?

Rigel watches me closely, concern etched in the lines of his face. I want to tell him everything, to unburden myself of the fear and isolation that’s been my constant companion since I fled Manila.

But I can’t risk dragging him into this mess.

“I’m just… I’m not ready for this to end,” I say instead, my voice cracking. “Being here with you, it’s been a break from reality. But we both know it can’t last forever.”

“Who says it has to end?” Rigel’s hand tightens around mine. “I know there’s something you’re not telling me, but whatever it is, we can face it together.”

“You don’t understand.” I shake my head, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. “The things I’m caught up in, the people who are after me… I can’t put you in danger like that.”

“I’m not afraid of danger.” His eyes blaze with intensity. “I’m afraid of losing you.”

For a moment, I’m tempted to give in, to let Rigel be my knight in shining armor, but the rational part of my brain knows it’s just a fantasy. The threats I face are too big and too powerful. They require the intervention of a government.

Hopefully, the United States.

They were eager enough to offer asylum and protection, but after the death of one of their operatives, I don’t know if that offer is still on the table.

I have to see this through on my own.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, pulling my hand from his grasp. “I care about you too much to let you get caught in the crossfire.”

Before Rigel can respond, I stand abruptly and flee, my vision blurred with unshed tears. I hate myself for pushing him away, but it’s the only way to keep him safe. I won’t let Rigel become collateral damage in my fight for survival.

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