Marina scoffed, but somehow, through his half-joking, half-serious banter, her mood genuinely lifted.
When a woman came over to offer Carson a drink, he turned her down without a second thought.
Marina smiled. "You can go, it's fine. I wouldn't mind a little peace and quiet to myself anyway."
Carson's lips curved. "Even if we have an agreement not to interfere in each other's lives, I'm not quite enough of a jerk to drink and flirt with another woman right in front of my fiancée."
Marina understood. It was about respect, and he was giving it to her.
Whatever he did in his private time was his business, but with her here, he was going to play the part of the devoted, attentive fiancé to perfection.
They drank late into the night. Marina was half-tipsy, while Carson's gaze remained as clear and sharp as ever.
When his driver arrived to pick them up, Carson looked at Marina. "Should I take you home?"
Marina suddenly remembered Mrs. Evert's words from earlier that evening—how her coming back late would upset the dogs in the backyard and wake up Phoebe.
Carson, sharp as a tack, instantly caught her hesitation. He checked the time. "It's a bit late, and it's a thirty-minute drive to the Evert estate. I have an apartment nearby. Why don't you crash there tonight? We can head out together in the morning."
Marina nodded. "Thank you."
Carson offered a warm smile. "Don't mention it. I brought you out, so naturally, I have to make sure you're taken care of."
Marina laughed, a little dazed by the alcohol. "There really is a reason all your ex-girlfriends were so crazy about you."
Carson smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."
A soft smile played on Marina's lips. The alcohol had painted a radiant flush across her cheeks, making her look much gentler than usual. "I meant it. It was a genuine compliment."
He chuckled lightly. "Thanks."

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
May we please have updates... I'm curious to know how Marina saved Carson....
Time for Carson andarina to comit. Thank you for the updates....
Things are looking up for Xavier and Norah. Thank you for the updates....
Woohoo! This was sooooo good. Thank you for the updates....
This was classic updates. Thank you so much...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
I sincerely hope that Gonzalez finds the taped meeting of Hannah and Trevor to throw them under the bus....
How will Gonzalez get back at Hannah, Yvonne and Trevor for the setup and fall from grace....
Adrian needs to safe face and not do this. It will embarrass he and Norah and his family. Thank you for the updates....
This a HOT MESS for them both....