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CHAPTER 18
"I suppose," Mark shrugged. "Hey, what did you mean earlier when you said someone more my status?"
"Oh, that." Jasmine said, taking a seat. "I mean that you can't just turn up at a black-tie event with some girl who works in the local Walmart and lives with her parents.""Why not? Lots of good people work in Walmart," Mark said, frowning."Because it's not what's expected of you. Because it's not someone you'll have much in common with, and because there would be this enormous gulf between you. You wouldn't be equals, or even in the same social circles.""Different can be good though.""Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking down on people or being elitist when I say this, Mark," Jasmine explained. "Imagine a year from now what you'd have to talk about. She's just had a shit day at work because a customers kid peed in one of the aisles and she had to clean it up. You just flew into town from Hong Kong on a privaRelated chapters
The Island CHAPTER 19
Markcracked the door open on the shower cubicle, blinking again as the white glass suddenly turned clear, but he could see Jasminewasn't in the room anymore, so he grabbed a towel and dried off.Wrapping it around his waist he stepped into the bedroom, spotting a baggy pair of dark blue shorts and a dark green sleeveless t-shirt on the bed. He got dressed quickly and walked around the suite, looking for Jasmine.He found her sitting on the balcony, a low table in front of her with half a dozen different plates of food on it."The chef wasn't sure what you'd like for lunch, so he made you up a few platters with different stuff," She explained.Marksat down and looked at the dishes. "Wow."Jasminesmiled. "Yeah, Chef's fantastic."Markcould see four or five different types of fish, lobster and prawns. There was chicken, steak, a pate of some sort on crumbly biscuits, different breads, vegeta
The Island CHAPTER 20
Then they were off to meet the Islands resident physician, Doctor Kerr. The doctor was in her late thirties, with short and tidy red hair, but her cheeks were flushed, as if she was having trouble with the heat.While she gave Marka physical examination, he asked her about the injections that Jaydenhad recommended. To his surprise she seemed perfectly fine with it, as long as he agreed that they lasted no more than two weeks. She also informed him that he needed a Tetanusbooster, and he should probably have a contraceptive injection."A what?" Markasked."It's a hormonal contraceptive injection for men," She had shrugged. "Short term, only lasts for a month or so and then things are back to normal a few weeks later, but it stops the production of sperm. Given the injections you're already getting, the enhanced endorphins from the exercise and a sudden boost in confidence that you're likely to receive, it's almost certain that
The Island CHAPTER 21
It only took a few minutes to walk from the clinic to the salon, so Markhad a cigarette while they followed the path. It was the first time he'd been to the east side of the Island and he loved the flowers and bushes between the palm trees, the mixture of fragrances and fresh air being so much better than the city he was used to.As they walked Jasminepointed out various paths leading to the helipad, the recording studios, guest and staff accommodation and the main security office. The time passed quickly and all too soon they were entering the salon.There were three stylists who worked in bright open space. The Senior Stylist was a short Japaneseman with a bright purple Mohawk. Both his arms were covered in tattoos, and Jasmineintroduced him as Taki. Working with him was Betty, a short petite blonde who seemed to have trouble meeting his gaze and Alex, a tall bald man with a razor-thin goatee.The three of them set to work,
The Island CHAPTER 22
The closer they got to the pier the more nervous Markgot. It didn't matter that he'd met both Maddyand Myrabefore. If anything, that made it worse. He didn't know if Myrawould recognize him at all, or if she did, would she have him chalked up as one of a thousand perverted losers who'd paid to see her naked. Worse, he might be remembered as that creep who jizzed in his pants.As for Maddy, Markknew that she'd remember him. That night they'd spent together was burned in his memory, and he knew how she felt about it at the time too. They'd made love in the dark, then again when they woke in the morning, not a word exchanged. They'd showered together, then lay holding each other until they couldn't avoid getting up. Even then, he'd accompanied her all the way to the airport, shared a really tender goodbye kiss with her, and then kicked himself for months that he hadn't got her contact details, or just up and moved to New York to find her.Wha
The Island CHAPTER 23
Markfollowed her downstairs and around the side of the pool, turning left to head into one of the business suites where he could see Mister Yousefsitting behind a desk. On the other side of it sat three large leather chesterfield armchairs, Maddyin the one on the left, Myraon the right.He took a deep breath, feeling the tension of what was to come. He knew inside that room he would find out what his future would be like, what his responsibilities were and what BenjaminMoore, the man who had gave him up for adoption would have to say to him and his sisters."Good luck, Mark," Jasminesaid quietly. "I'll see you when you get out."He entered the room and closed the door.----------"It's a lot to take in," Jasminesaid gently.Markwas sat on his balcony, chain-smoking and watching a spectacular sunset that he just couldn't appreciate. The afternoon had been too draining.
The Island CHAPTER 24
There was a knock at the door and Markstood up as Jasmineentered."Sorry to interrupt. Dinner's going to be served in ten minutes. Thought I'd better let you know.""Cheers, Jasmine," Marknodded."I better make a move," Maddysaid, getting up. "Cheers for the chat, Mark.""Anytime."Jasminewaited until Maddywas inside her own suite before she spoke. "How did it go?"Markshrugged. "Okay, I guess. What's happening with the whole....""Discrete investigation?" Jasmineasked quietly.Marknodded. "I told Maddyyou know.""How did she react?""Angry at first, but she's had a lot to deal with. She told me about one of her friends though. She's got a kid that's got health problems. Can we help her with that?""I already know about it," Jasminesaid quietly. "As I said, we move quick and quiet when we need to."
The Island CHAPTER 25
Dinner wasn't as fantastic as Markexpected when it came to the food. Due to Jayden's interference Markhad his own menu with his options dramatically reduced. He'd been looking forward to some more of the lobster or those delicious prawns from lunch, but ended up with a grilled tuna steak and poached egg on a bed of quinoa, a substance a lot like couscous, but delicately spiced. It was delicious, but when he saw everyone else tucking into steak, lobster, mussels, spicy noodles, and a dazzling array of vegetables he definitely felt restricted.Eight of them sat around a table in the dining area next to the bar. Markwas joined by his sisters, Jasmine, Heidi and Garius, and Henryand Mister Yousefcompleted the party. What started off as a fairly subdued group quickly opened up as each of them told funny stories about themselves, knowing that Mark, Myraand Maddydidn't really know any of them.Marktold them of how he'd been so h
The Island CHAPTER 26
"That was pretty impressive, you know," He heard from behind him, recognising Jasmine's voice.Markshrugged as he lit another cigarette. "I deal with a lot of information at work, so I'm pretty good at taking stuff in. Plus, we spent hours on this today.""You missed one," She said gently, taking a seat beside him. To his surprise she leaned over and picked up his cigarettes and lit one for herself, then grinned. "I've had a couple of drinks.""What did I miss?" Markasked, not really caring if she smoked or not. Who was he to say anything, given he was chain-smoking like an addict on death row."The Business Consultants you work for?" She said, making it a question."Of course. With offices in the US, UK, Canada and Australia," He finished."Seriously, that's really impressive, remembering all that."Markexhaled a long, smooth breath. "I spoke to Myra. Told her I was at the club in Myrtle
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