Page 59 of Into the Blue
“He’s doing his Master’s in environmental science and engineering.”
“Maybe you could introduce us, sometime. I’d like to talk to him about what he wants to do next.”
I can’t speak, a lump in my throat.
“You’re family, Jade,” he continues. “Zara and I are here for you, whatever you need. So please, don’t ever feel as though you’re alone. Because you have us.”
I throw my arms around him, sobbing into his shoulder. “Thank you,” I croak. “For everything.”
He pulls back, but his eyes are bright as well. “I’ll do what I can. And we can talk about your brother when I see you next.”
He steps into the waiting tender, waving as it swings around again, carving a white line through the crystal blue water towards purple clouds gathering in the distance. I stand on the jetty, my heart full like I’ve just had a visit from fucking Santa Claus. I truly don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such good friends in my life. I sink down, my legs crossed and just watch the waves, tears pouring down my face as a weight of worry lifts from me.
If anyone can buy out the Blackburghs, it’s Myles. I know he felt the same as I did, the reverence in his expression obvious as he looked around the cave. And the fact he wants to meet Jasper as well, I can’t wait to introduce them. I swallow, wiping my eyes, gratitude flowing through me. The only slight thorn in it all is Zach. And the picture of the girl with Axel. But I’ll deal with the first thing when I get back. The second I’ll just have to let go.
As long as I have Axel, I can deal with everything.
I need to go and tell him that it’s all going to be okay.
ChapterThirty-Five
Jade
Ihurry back towards Axel’s place, hope like a little flame of warmth inside my chest. He should be back by now, and I can’t wait to see him, to kiss him and tell him about Myles’ visit.
But as I near the house I see a figure emerge from the sliding doors. A woman. And, as I get closer, I recognise who it is. Mish. She’s in damp boardies and a rash top, like she’s just come out of the water. What the hell is she doing here?
I don’t think she’s doing anything with Axel, but something about her being here doesn’t sit right with me, apprehension curling in my stomach. I pick up the pace. I’ll just say hello, see what she wants. I’m sure she’ll be happy when she hears my news.
But when she sees me, she marches towards me, her fists clenched, jaw tight. Shit. I brace myself as she slams into my shoulder.
“What the hell?” I shout after her as she walks away.
She stops, turning. “I thought you were better than that,” she snarls, “that you actually cared about Axel, and this place. But now I know. You’re just like the rest of them. Another fucking tourist, out to ruin the island. Fuck you.” There are tears in her eyes, choking her voice.
Whatever this is, it’s not what I expected. I have no fucking idea what she’s talking about. “I do care,” I say. “In fact, I’m trying to save this place.”
“Funny way of doing it.” She spits the words, then walks away before I can respond.
My apprehension increases. I head towards the house, wondering what the hell she’s said to Axel. I mean, whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be easily explained, especially once I tell him about Myles.
But when I open the sliding door and see Axel, it’s obvious something is very wrong. His back is to me, his broad shoulders tense. He doesn’t turn around, even when I say his name. I stand there, unsure what to do.
“How the fuck could you do this, Jade.” His voice is a low snarl, ice in the words.
“Do what?” My chest is starting to hurt. “I haven’t done anything, except?—”
“Except invite fucking Myles Brandon here, and take him to the very place I wanted to save!” He turns around, then. His grey eyes are blazing, his face drawn and pale. “What, are you going to get a cut of the hotel profits? Bring all your influencer friends here to blast the place all over social media?”
I feel sick. My mouth opens and closes, but I can’t get a word out.
“I trusted you, Jade. I fucking fell for you, opened my home, my heart to you! And this is what you do to me?” He stalks towards me, pointing his finger. “How could you betray me like this?”
“I don’t… I didn’t…”
“Didn’t think that anyone would see you, bringing him here? Mish was in the water, and she saw it all. Every fucking moment of your betrayal.”
Cold shock changes to rage, heat pouring through me. “I haven’t betrayedanyone,” I hiss. “I’m trying to fucking help, and all I get is this shit?”
