‘You’re a little slut, do you know that?’ he said, still walking towards her.
His hand shot out just before she reached the door and his fingers gripped her shoulder. She shut her eyes, not wanting to see his face approaching hers. Her mouth went dry, and her brain stopped functioning.
Then suddenly he was pulled away; there was a crunching noise and a crash. Her eyes flew open to see Leo sprawling on his back on the floor.
‘Now get out,’ said William. He went to Leo and helped him get up from the floor. ‘Oh God, he’s drunk. He can’t drive.’
‘I’ll ring Helena,’ said Gilly. ‘I’m sure Jago will help if he can. Taxis aren’t keen on taking drunk people.’
‘I’m perfectly fine!’ said Leo, furious, but clearly more in control of himself now.
‘I’ll make him some coffee,’ said Gilly, glad to have an excuse to leave the scene.
Once in the kitchen she found her phone and called Helena. ‘Darling? Is Jago there? Leo came round here and is drunk. We need to get him out of here urgently.’ She paused. ‘William hit him.’
‘Oh my God!’ said Helena, extremely impressed. ‘I’ll call Jago. He’s just in the shower but he can come out.’
A very short time later Jago said, ‘Hello? Gilly? What can I do for you?’
‘You couldn’t come and pick up Leo and take him home? I know William would do it but, between us, I’d rather it was someone young and fit like you. Also, it won’t matter if you’re a bit late to the party.’
‘On my way. No worries.’
Helena came back on the phone. ‘He is so kind,’ said Gilly. ‘I must make him a cake or something.’
‘Don’t worry, Mum,’ said Helena. ‘He loves helping people. Mind you, he also loves cake.’
Gilly made a strong cup of instant coffee and took it out to the hall. Leo was sitting in the hall chair while William stood over him.
‘Here’s some coffee. You’d better drink it, Leo,’ she said.
‘I’ll take him home,’ said William.
‘No need,’ said Gilly quickly. ‘Jago is on his way.’
She suddenly felt weak and shaky. She went back to the kitchen quickly so she could sit down and breathe deeply. She realised now what a narrow escape she’d had. Thank goodness William had been earlier than he’d said he’d be. It took her a little while before she felt herself again.
At last she heard sounds that meant Jago had arrived. A few moments later, William came into the kitchen. Gilly got up and fell into his arms. ‘Oh God, thank you so much for rescuing me! I felt so vulnerable!’ She had a horrid feeling she was going to cry which she really didn’t want to do as she’d made such a good job of her make-up.
‘Darling, of course I’d rescue you! If I didn’t, or couldn’t, there would be no point in my being in your life,’ he said, holding her and murmuring into her hair. ‘I’d go through fire for you!’ He paused. ‘Although I must say, punching someone hurts so much more than I ever thought it could.’
Gilly instantly went into caring mode. ‘Oh, William! Come with me to the downstairs loo. I’ve got some arnica and plasters and things.’
‘I’m not sure I need a plaster.’
‘If you’ve broken a finger I’ll have to stick it to the next finger—’
‘I’m sure I haven’t broken anything,’ said William, following Gilly.
‘Let me just have a look.’
He allowed her to put arnica on it and they were still crammed together in the tiny bathroom when he said, ‘Is there time for me to have a cup of coffee before the guests arrive?’
‘Of course! You arrived early – thank goodness.’
‘I know. I’m so glad. My errand took less time than I allowed for it.’
Gilly found her curiosity piqued. ‘Was it anything exciting?’
