‘How are things with Amber then?’
‘She should know I would never, ever do anything to hurt Jayden.’ Alex’s expression was fierce. ‘The only reason I left last time was because I didn’t want to put him in danger and it killed me. Literally one day he told me he loved me and the next day I saw one of the Dougall family– the ones who were after me– in the town where Amber and I were working, and I panicked. I thought I had to run. I packed up and left within an hour, leaving no trace, no link that might lead them to Amber or Jayden. I really believed I had to disappear to keep them safe.’
Walker blew out softly. ‘Have you ever told her that’s why you left?’
‘She’s never given me the chance. Every time I try to bring it up, she says she’s not interested.’
‘That’s tough, man.’
‘Yep.’ Alex closed his eyes. ‘Anyway. What about you? You and Gabi seem to be back on. . .’
Walker rolled his eyes, unsure where to start.
‘Think we’re off again after today,’ he said. ‘Literally, it’s the best sex of my entire life, but with the most infuriating person ever. That woman gets under my skin in a way I’ve never known. I’m drawn to her like a magnet, but it feels like there’s always something that holds us apart.’
‘Sounds like love to me,’ Alex said with a nudge. Walker snorted.
‘Gabi wouldn’t let anyone love her. She’s too determined to live alone.’
‘And that bothers you why?’ Alex said, serious all of a sudden. Walker met his gaze, found himself frowning. He examined the thought that was underneath everything. The thing that kept him coming back for more of Gabi every time.
‘Because, actually, if she could let someone in, I think we’d be perfect together.’
The words sat between them, along with Fatboy Jim who was licking himself with the dexterity of a much more athletic cat.
‘You like her,’ Alex said. ‘Thought so.’
‘Turns out I do,’ said Walker with a wry smile. ‘Not that it counts for anything. Yet again, Gabriella Tucci hates me.’
Credits started to roll on the television programme. Both men sighed.
‘Looks like you and I will have to stay married,’ Walker said, standing up.
‘For now,’ Alex agreed.
‘I’ll sort the kitchen,’ Walker said.
‘I’ll do the bins.’ Alex stuffed his feet into his trainers.
‘Thanks, darling.’
‘Any time, babe.’
Chapter Forty-Nine
Gabi
‘For someone who seems the favourite choice for a top job and gets their boot off for good in a week, you don’t seem happy about it,’ Isabella said to Gabi later that afternoon.
She and Gabi lay at either end of the sofa, in Isabella’s apartment over the restaurant, top to toe as they painted each other’s toenails. Gabi, tongue poking from the corner of her mouth, didn’t answer until she finished painting Isabella’s big toe in turquoise.
‘Aren’t you looking forward to it?’ Isabella pressed and Gabi lifted her eyes from her task.
‘The leg, yes,’ she said. ‘I can’t wait to get this thing off.’
‘And the job?’
She pulled a face and then frowned at Isabella, nail varnish brush in one hand, pot in the other. Gabi took a deep breath as she prepared to ask her cousin one of the many questions that had been bothering her lately.
