Page 19 of Chasing Temptation
“Come on, they’ve got the most incredible room for us.”
I expect us to head towards the lift at the other side of the vast room, so I’m a little shocked when she walks us right past it and out of a huge set of doors.
We make our way down a path as the countryside opens up before us, revealing a huge lake surrounded by mountains.
“Whoa, this is kinda nice.”
“Kinda nice? Is that what you city folk call the countryside?”
“Something like that. If this is a joke and you’re expecting me to refuse to stay in a tent in favour of the hospital, then it’s going to backfire on you. I’m not going back.”
“I’m not expecting you to go back, or sleep in a tent. This is where we’re staying.”
She comes to a stop and waves her arm in the direction of a cosy little cabin with huge windows that overlooks the lake. The lighting on the inside looks warm and inviting, and I can see the flickering from a fire even from this distance.
“Just a slight upgrade from the hospital room.”
“Come on.” With her arm around my waist, we walk into the lodge together.
It’s stunning, by far the most luxurious and expensive place I’ve ever stayed. If I knew this was where we were heading next, I’d have got myself out of that place even sooner.
“I’m pretty sure this is going to max out my credit card.”
“I’ve got it covered, don’t worry.”
I stay quiet until she’s got me settled in the chair in front of the fire. She steps away, but I catch her hand in mine, stopping her.
“Quinn?”
“Do you need anything? Are you hungry or…” she trails off, sounding totally unsure of herself, and I hate it.
“I just need you.” She releases a huge breath and turns to look at me. I hate the empty, haunted look in her eyes. I’d do anything to take all the terrible memories away.
“I’m here, Joe. I’m just…”
“I know, babe. Take as much time as you need. I’m here for you, don’t forget that.”
“Can I use your phone? I’m going to place some orders.”
“Orders?”
“We’ve got no clothes. Toiletries. Anything. I’ve already spoken to a lawyer about a divorce—there’s plenty of money that should come out of it. Well, if he agrees to it,” she says sadly. “Financially, I’m okay. We can stay here as long as we need to, we can spend as much as we need to. You don’t need to worry about that. Just...just get better, yeah?”
“It’s just a little scratch.”
Tears fill her eyes as I try to brush aside the seriousness of what happened. “I...I thought I was going to lose you. When I saw that knife go in...shit.” A sob erupts, and when I pull her to sit on my lap, she doesn’t deny me. She’s been so strong while sitting beside me in hospital. She needs this.
I wrap my arms around her as she cries on my shoulder. Her tears continue for the longest time, but she can stay right here for a long as she likes. She’s not the only one who had a fleeting fear that the other night might have been it for us.
Her sobs eventually fade, but she stays exactly where she is. “Babe?” I whisper, thinking she’s fallen asleep. I don’t expect her to move, but she pulls her head from my shoulder and looks up into my eyes. Her blue eyes hold so much within them. There’s still fear, but there’s also hope.
“Your eyes are really beautiful.” She tries looking away, but I catch her cheek and bring her head back to me. “You really were hiding, weren’t you?”
“It was stupid. He’d probably have recognised me from a mile away, but it made me feel better. I so desperately wanted to be someone else.”
“Not at all. It was brave, Qu—what am I meant to be calling you?”
Her bottom lip trembles as she realises what I’m asking her. “Elizabeth is technically my first name, but I hate it. My dad chose it and I mostly despise everything he’s ever touched. Quinn is my middle name. I didn’t want to be a totally new person, so I went with that. I’ve always preferred it. It was my grandma’s name.”
