Page 116 of Reckless Hearts

I pull out my phone, scrolling through my camera roll until I find what I’m looking for.

“Hey, Sask, want to see what your best friend looks like as a medieval court jester?”

I hand over my phone.

Her laughter, when it comes, feels like a victory.

She passes the phone around to show her mother and Seb.

Seb’s already seen that particular photo, but he refrains from mentioning that fact.

The hours blur together as I continue to entertain them all with funny tidbits from Hollywood. I’m as tired as shit with jet lag, but I don’t stop. I’m worried the tensions in the room will boil over if I don’t provide a distraction.

And if there is one thing I know how to do, it’s how to be a meaningless distraction.

Around eleven p.m., a nurse bustles into the room, her scrubs rumpled but her smile bright. She checks the monitors, jotting notes before turning to us.

“Mr. Kleggs’s vitals have continued to improve. His blood pressure is stabilizing, and his oxygen levels are up. It’s looking positive. You should all go home and rest.”

“I want to be here when he wakes up,” Seb’s mum says.

“With the sedatives in his system, he won’t be waking up tonight. And it’s going to be a long road to recovery. It’s important you look after yourself.”

We all unfold our bodies from the chairs, looking like a group of rusty robots coming to life.

“Do you want to come stay with us?” Saskia asks as we shuffle out of the room and into the hallway.

Fuck. The last thing I want to do is deny myself the chance to touch Seb and drop myself in the middle of whatever is happening in Saskia and Tom’s marriage.

Luckily, I have a good excuse. “Erica’s already booked me the Royal Suite at The Langham.”

Saskia gives a low whistle. “Fancy. You need a ride there?”

“No thanks, I’ve got a hire car. But I’ll catch up with you tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay.” Saskia gives me another hug. “Thank you again for being here.”

“You’re very welcome.”

I wait until Saskia, Tom, and Seb’s mother are safely down the corridor before I turn to Seb.

“You want to come to my suite?” I ask in an undertone.

Seb nods. His face is creased and lined in a way I’ve never seen before. “Yeah, okay. But I’m not sure what they’ll say at the Langham when I turn up for the valet service in my Toyota Corolla.”

“Just tell them you’re going for the incognito celebrity look. It’s very trendy right now.”

Seb lifts the corner of his mouth. I can’t help bending forward to press a light kiss on his lips.

“See you soon.”

The Royal Suiteof the Langham is a masterclass in understated luxury. The rooms are bathed in a warm, golden light that makes everything look soft and inviting.

But I don’t pay any attention to the décor. I’m far too concerned about the man in front of me.

Seb’s exhausted. His eyes, normally bright with curiosity, are dull and unfocused.

“You need to sleep,” I say.