My empty stomach twists again, and I suck in a breath, trying to ease the pressure building in my chest.
It takes a lot for me to trust someone.
I trusted Jax, loved Jax. His betrayal… supposed betrayal.
I drop my head into my hands and squeeze.
Believing he betrayed me, almost broke me. But it’s shaped the woman I am today. Taught me to portray a strong image, despite being damaged on the inside. It’s how I survived Dad’s death, and I could step into his shoes.
But then maybe I hadn’t trusted Jax enough. Was that why I was so quick to believe their lies? Deep down, I never truly believed he loved me, not like I loved him. How could he? He was gorgeous and had all the women chasing him. He was athletic and smart. Who was I? The nerdy, desperate sister of his best friend.
As for Zach, I had no reason not to trust him. He was far from perfect. Would never have hurt my brother, or me.
I scoop up my hair, ignoring the numbness spreading through my limbs and walk onto the terrace, sinking into the cool water of the plunge infinity pool. I lie back, allowing my body to float, trying to clear my mind. When that fails, I move to the edge and stare out over the water, the letter and all conscious thought abandoned.
CHAPTER 20
JAX
Kat doesn’t reappear for lunch, and I wonder if she’s decided to order room service. As promised yesterday, I’ve left her alone, but after a morning of working on the proposal and the rising temperature, I want to change. Tomorrow, I’ll bring my swim shorts with me and use the gym facilities, but until then.
I enter the villa.
Silence.
Is Kat actually here?
The balcony door is slightly ajar, the air-conditioning off. I’m not sure what makes me decide to look. I could just collect my shorts and leave, but as always, I’m drawn to Kathryn Frazer.
I open the door. Kat’s in the infinity pool, with her back to me, and her arms resting on the side.
I step out onto the terrace, closing the door behind me. A bottle of iced tea sits untouched by the side of the sun lounger, along with a paperback and her phone.
I look across, still no movement. The hairs on my arms rise. Something is off.
“Hey, Kat,” I say cheerfully.
Nothing.
Does she have her headphones in?
I walk to the side of the pool. Her hair is piled up on top of her head, no headphones visible.
I try again. “Hey, Kat.”
Still nothing.
It’s then I see it, her lips pressed tightly together, her hand gripping her chain. Her chest rises and falls, as if she’s struggling to catch her breath.
“Kat?”
I repeat, this time more gently.
Shit, something is wrong.
She turns to face me with a start, her gaze distant, her skin flushed.
I drop over the edge and into the pool, ignoring the fact that I’m in my clothes.
