Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3411

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."

Marina instantly shook her head. "I wouldn't dare take over your space. The guest room is perfectly fine."

Carson's gaze darkened, a predatory glint flashing beneath his half-lowered lashes. His voice dropped to a seductive murmur. "Or we could just share the master bedroom?"

Marina shot him a sideways glare and turned toward the guest room. "Pass. I'm not about to risk needing a clinic visit tomorrow just for one night of fun."

Carson's expression instantly went flat.

"..."

Once inside her room, Marina did a quick sweep for any signs of another woman's belongings. She was a bit of a clean freak about that sort of thing.

Fortunately, it was pristine. Not a single stray hair on the sheets or the floor, and the room smelled faintly of fresh laundry detergent.

Even though the apartment was rarely used, it was fully stocked with fresh toiletries, plush towels, and bathrobes. After a hot shower, the steam only amplified her dizziness. She collapsed onto the bed, initially thinking she'd have to worry about Carson acting like a relentless playboy, but she drifted off into a deep, heavy sleep almost immediately.