“No, Warren,” she barks, pushing back against the man with her backside, trying to get him inside.
My jaw clenches so tightly, my teeth ache. And my hand is around his throat before my brain has even instructed it. I’m not in control.
I don’t see Leoni now, just him and his red face as I squeeze tightly, but I can feel her tugging on my arm, punching her fist against my chest.
“Coffee guy,” she screams. “He makes your fucking coffee.” Her words crack through my haze, and the darkness shifts. She’sclinging to me, desperation in her eyes as I finally look down at her, releasing my grip slightly. He gasps.
“It’s the guy that makes your coffee every day,” she pants. “Mike walked me home because I was too drunk.” Her hands fall to her sides, as if she’s sensed the danger is over. “Now put him down.”
I let go and he rushes past me, his hands shaking as he presses for the elevator, which opens immediately, much to his relief.
When it closes, the silence falls between us. “What the fuck was that?” she hisses.
“You tell me,” I snap. I look at my watch. “It’s almost four A.M.”
She rolls her eyes, “Go home, Warren.” And then she goes inside and slams the door in my face.
Chapter Eighteen
LEONI
I swallow the lump in my throat as I tap lightly on the front door. It swings open, and my mum’s eyes widen in surprise. Then she grabs me and pulls me to her, hugging me tightly. “I’ve been going out of my mind,” she cries.
“Sorry, I needed some time away.”
She holds me at arm’s length, looking me up and down. “You’ve lost weight,” she says, her tone concerned.
“So have you,” I counter.
She smiles then leads me inside. “And you have a faint tan.”
“It was a work thing,” I mutter. “I went to take my mind off everything.”
She grabs the kettle, and I sit at the table. “Where?”
“Italy.”
She whips round, smiling. “Wow.”
“Don’t get too excited, I didn’t see any of it.” I sigh. “Barely at all actually.”
“You didn’t have time to explore?”
I shake my head. “My boss is a prick.”
She sits opposite me, reaching for my hands and clasping them tightly in hers. “I’ve been so worried.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you worry. I’ve had my phone on airplane mode for over a week just trying to clear my head. I saw you messages last night but I was out… drunk.”
She gives a sympathetic smile. “Jordan’s been the same since you left. He regrets what he said.”
I bite my lower lip to stop the tears that threaten to fall. “It was true though, wasn’t it. I should have stayed with him. Or called for help.” A sob slips out, and I slap a hand over my mouth. “He was so adamant he was okay. He said it was sorted and told me not to nag.”
“Leoni, it wasn’t your fault. And we don’t blame you. He shouldn’t have turned up at your place. He should have come home. It’s my fault he didn’t and my fault he was out there trying to hustle like his damn father. I spent so much time complaining about money and bills, he must have felt the pressure. And he felt like he couldn’t come here.”
I clasp her hand tighter. “He didn’t want you to worry.”
“You’re a good sister and a good daughter, don’t ever doubt that. And I’m sorry for losing it over your dad. That man just unsettles me, but you’re right, that’s between us.”
