Page 80 of Johan.

I smile, feeling my heart swell with affection and desire. “I couldn’t stay away,” I say, stripping off my clothes and joining her in the warm water.

As I sink into the tub beside her, I know I made the right choice. The night is young, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than here, with her, feeling her warmth and knowing that, for now, this moment is ours.

30

Johan

The last dayof our blissful stay in St. Moritz comes to an end, and the bittersweetness of parting lingers as Hannah and I pack our things. The sun is beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the snowy landscape outside our window. The room is filled with a quiet melancholy, the kind that settles in when a perfect time must end. We’ve decided to take separate flights back to England to avoid any suspicion. As much as I want to travel with her, this precaution is necessary.

I close my suitcase and look over at Hannah, who is carefully folding the last of her clothes. She looks up and catches my gaze, a sad smile playing on her lips. Her eyes, usually so bright and full of mischief, are now misty.

“I can’t believe this week is over already,” she says softly, her voice trembling slightly as she smooths a wrinkle from her blouse.

“I know,” I reply, walking over to her and wrapping my arms around her waist. The warmth of her body against mineis comforting, and I wish I could hold her like this forever. “It's been perfect.”

She leans into me, resting her head on my chest, and I feel her take a deep breath. “Promise me it’s the last time we have to be hidden together like this.”

“I promise,” I say, kissing the top of her head and breathing in the scent of her hair, a mix of her shampoo and the fresh mountain air. “We’ll make it happen.”

We stand there for a few moments, just holding each other, savoring the last bit of our time together. Finally, she pulls back slightly and looks up at me, her eyes searching mine for reassurance.

“Don't forget, we're meeting at Dr. Angela’s apartment tomorrow at five,” she reminds me, her voice steadying as she speaks of plans.

“I haven't forgotten,” I assure her, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I'll be there. We'll go over everything we need for the trip.”

She nods, satisfied, her smile returning. “Alright. I'll see you there.”

We exchange a final, tender kiss before heading to our respective departures. The drive to the airport is quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. When we arrive, we embrace one last time before heading to separate terminals. I watch her walk away, her figure getting smaller in the distance until she disappears into the crowd.

The flight to London is uneventful, but my mind races with thoughts of the upcoming expedition. Once I land, I head straight to the upscale restaurant where Ludovic has organizeda dinner with the key members of our team. The restaurant is elegantly appointed, with crystal chandeliers and plush seating, an appropriate setting for such an important gathering. The scent of rich foods and fine wine fills the air, mingling with the soft murmur of conversation.

I arrive and immediately spot Ludovic, who is already engaged in conversation with Dean Pembroke and Professor Anderson. The Omani officials, distinguished and composed, are discussing something with the conservator and the photographer. Ludovic sees me and waves me over, his face lighting up with a welcoming smile.

“Johan! Glad you could make it,” he says, clapping me on the back. His grip is firm, and his eyes sparkle with excitement.

“Of course,” I reply, scanning the room. “Is Lukas here yet?”

Ludovic nods towards a table. “He just arrived. Go on, greet him.”

I walk over and find Lukas standing awkwardly near the bar, a glass of water in his hand. He looks up as I approach, a smile breaking across his face, the tension in his shoulders visibly easing.

“Johan, it’s great to see you,” he says, extending his hand.

“You too, Lukas. Welcome to the team,” I reply, shaking his hand firmly. The handshake is warm, a silent promise of the collaboration to come. “We’ve got a lot of exciting work ahead of us.”

“True, I’m really excited to join you. Thank you for having me.”

“You deserve it.”

We all settle into our seats, and Ludovic, as the host, begins the evening with a toast. “To new discoveries and successful collaborations,” he says, raising his glass. The crystal catches the light, sparkling as if to emphasize his words. We all echo hissentiments and take a sip of our drinks, the wine smooth and rich on my tongue.

As dinner progresses, small talk revolves around Ubar. Ludovic shares anecdotes about previous expeditions, his eyes alight with the thrill of adventure, while Dean Pembroke and Professor Anderson discuss their expectations, their tones serious yet filled with anticipation. The Omani officials speak highly of the local team, who they say have been doing a tremendous job in preparing the site.

“We’re confident that with your expertise, we can uncover even more about Ubar,” one of the officials says, his tone respectful and encouraging. His eyes meet mine, and I nod in acknowledgment, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders.

The conservator and photographer listen intently, occasionally chiming in with their own questions about the site and what they can expect. Their faces are animated, reflecting the same excitement I feel bubbling under the surface.

After dessert and coffee, the dinner slowly comes to an end. I feel a mixture of exhaustion and excitement as we all say our goodbyes. Ludovic catches my eye and gives me a nod, a silent acknowledgment of the journey ahead.

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