Page 18 of Chasing Temptation
Chapter Six
It took a hell of a lot longer than expected, but eventually the doctor begrudgingly allows me out of my little hospital room.
Quinn insists on finding me a wheelchair but like fuck am I leaving this place in a set of wheels. I’m walking out of this motherfucking building with my girl by my side and the world at our feet.
The reality of it is much more painful—and slower—than I was expecting, but eventually we make it down to reception and the electric doors slide open for us.
That first breath of fresh winter air is the best one I’ve ever had. The cold burns my lungs and the pain in my abdomen almost has me doubling over, but I fight it. It’s going to take more than Quinn’s psycho ex to break me.
“What car’s Lauren got?”
“That white BMW,” I nod to where it’s parked and slowly Quinn helps me get across the road and to the passenger side of the car.
“For the record, I think this is a really bad idea.”
It’s not the first time she’s expressed that, but just like all the times she’s said the same thing, I ignore her and wait for the car to be unlocked so I can figure out a way to get inside.
Biting on the inside of my cheeks, I fold myself into the passenger seat, knowing that if I show even an ounce of how painful this is then she’ll demand we go straight back inside.
I don’t tell her where to go; I’ve got no idea where we are, but she doesn’t ask, she just reverses out of the space and pulls out onto the main road.
“I’m assuming you’ve got a driving licence,” I say with a laugh once the pain’s subsided enough to be able to form words.
“Yes. I can legally drive, I’m even fully insured. You’re in safe hands.”
“I didn’t doubt that for a second.”
Silence falls around us. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s equally not really all that comfortable either. A million and one questions swirl around my head, but I know I need to wait. It’s clear she has a destination in mind so I need to sit back and trust that she has a plan.
The motion of the car eventually forces me to put my head back, and, before I know it, my eyes have shut and I’m fast asleep once again.
I don’t wake until I sense the car slowing to a stop.
“What’s this place?”
“It’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to stay. I thought this might be the perfect time to try it out.”
“Looks expensive.”
“You got your credit card on you?”
“Yeah, but—”
“This is on my husband. I think he owes us.”
I think he owes us a little more than a fancy hotel stay, but I keep my mouth shut for now.
The second Quinn comes around to my door to help me out, I wonder how good a job I did at the hospital of looking like I wasn’t in agony.
“I can see it in your eyes.”
“What?”
“The pain. You’re fooling no one, Mr. Kingston, but I know better than to argue with you.”
She leaves me on one of the giant sofas in the entrance while she books us a room. The hotel is stunning, but my eyes don’t leave her for a second. I want to think this a good sign, that she hasn’t sent me straight back to London alone but wants me to stay here—for a while at least.
She smiles the second she turns around and finds me staring at her. She still looks like she’s been through the mill, but she’s starting to resemble the Quinn I knew before. Her skin is brighter and her eyes are beginning to get their usual sparkle back.
