“Yes... Yes, sir,” Marcus said. “You can count on me.”
Nolan pulled out his wallet, grabbed a wad of bills, and held them out. “For your trouble.”
“No, I can’t take money to protect someone,” Marcus told him, his voice firm. He smiled at Mia. “I’d rather just help.”
“I insist,” Nolan said.
“No,” Marcus refused, pushing the money back. “I’d rather just help.”
“Thank you,” Nolan said, genuinely impressed by the man’s integrity. He pocketed the cash and held Marcus’s gaze. “Let me know who comes to ask about it.”
“I will do, sir... Mr. Pierce.”
Nolan pocketed the photo and turned to Mia. “We need to go. Now.”
They walked quickly toward the exit, Mia’s heels clicking on the floor.
Outside, Nolan’s car was parked near the entrance.
“You’re an undercover agent?” Mia hissed as soon as they were in the open air.
“Yes,” Nolan admitted. “But I’m also a photographer.”
“So what are you really doing here?” Mia asked, stopping by his car. “And why are you so interested in my picture?”
Her eyes were wary now, guarded, and Nolan hated seeing that look directed at him.
“We need to go,” he told her. “I can explain on the way.”
“On the way to where?” Mia asked, stepping back from the car.
Nolan saw it in her body language, the way her weight shifted to the balls of her feet, the way her eyes darted toward the Inn entrance.
She was about to bolt.
“Mia, please... I know this is a shock for you,” Nolan said carefully, keeping his voice calm. “But I have to get you away from here and now.”
“No!” Mia’s voice grew anxious as she backed farther away from the car.
He had to tell her something. Had to give her a reason to trust him.
He walked around the car slowly. “Mia, I can’t explain here. Please.”
“Am I your assignment?” Mia’s eyes widened in realization. “You arrived the same day I did.”
“What?” Nolan’s brows creased. “No.” He shook his head firmly. “No, Mia, I’m here trying to find out who a very bad person is.” It was part of the truth. “We believe they’re staying at the Inn.”
“So what am I then?” Mia’s voice was sharp now, hurt. “A decoy?”
“No,” Nolan told her, stepping carefully closer. “You’re someone who took my breath away when you walked through the door of the dining room on the first day I arrived here.” The words came from somewhere deep and true. “Then you stole my heart when I came upon you staring out at the sea as if it held the answer to all the problems in the world. And then you became someone I know I never want to be without, the more time we spent together.”
Mia stared at him, distrustful and poised for flight.
“How can I believe anything you say now?”
“Because it’s the truth and I’m about to get into a world of trouble,” Nolan told her honestly. “But seeing this picture of you, Mia...” He ran a hand through his hair and blew out a breath. “Please. You have to come with me. You are in danger here.” He held out his hand. “Look, I have a gun in the glove compartment of the car. You’re welcome to take it as soon as we get in and keep it on me. But I need you to come with me. I have to take you somewhere safe.”
“Why?” Mia asked, looking at his outstretched hand.
