Page 162 of In Love and Revenge

My hand flies to my mouth.

The first is a photo of Freddie. He’s sitting in front of a large doggy birthday cake, his black eyes glinting for the camera. I can even make out a fine string of drool as he’s no doubt been told to wait before he’s allowed his cake. Rafael must have asked Kate tosend it to him, because Freddie’s birthday is today. There’s no other way he could have got it so fast.

Guilt tugs at my gut. I need to call Kate and explain. I might have taken the job initially as a way to get closer to Dominic, to see if being in his house would result in overhearing something that could help my father. But my fondness that grew for her and Freddie is genuine. And I hate the thought of her feeling deceived.

Nausea pokes at my gut as I stare at the photograph. I lied to her. To a woman I like and respect. To someone I care about.

Maybe I’m no different to Rafael.

I was lying in order to find the truth. He was lying in order to seek revenge. I’ll understand if Kate can’t forgive me for lying to her, but I’ll still hope that she can. The same way the man I love is sitting in his car on the street outside, hoping the same.

I rub at my temple as a headache threatens, before looking at the piece of paper that accompanied the photograph inside the envelope.

I sent him a present for you. R x

His handwriting is looped across the copy of an order acknowledgement.

A laugh bubbles out of me, the sound and feeling alien after so long.

‘A doggy crisp hamper. Really?’ I shake my head, my eyes darting to the window.

I walk over and peer down at the black Bugatti. He parks in the same spot every day. I have no idea where he’s staying, but wherever it is he’s going to shower and change each day, he must do it when I’m on shift at the hotel. Because whenever I’m in my apartment, he’s there. Morning, afternoon, two in the morning.He’s there.

Waiting for me to be ready.

And a huge piece of me hopes that one day I will be.

Chapter 39

Rafael

One week later

‘It’s all being handled. I’m working out of the office.’

‘From where?’ my father splutters.

I lean back in the driver’s seat, my gaze tracking up to the window of Aurora’s apartment. She should have been back from work an hour ago. She’s probably stayed to do overtime. She’s working too hard, and I only have myself to blame for it. If I hadn’t lied to her, if I hadn’t driven her away ...

‘Bath,’ I tell my father, grimacing at the pompous snort that erupts from him.

‘You’re there chasing after this girl, aren’t you?’

‘Aurora,’ I reply coolly. ‘And yes, I am.’

‘You’re a bloody fool.’

My jaw tightens. ‘Watch your tone, Dad. That’s your future daughter-in-law you’re talking about.’

‘I don’t mean her. I like the girl. I meanyou, son. Only a bloody fool would keep a secret like that from her in the first place.’

My brows shoot up at the unexpected fatherly lecture I can sense looming.

‘Your mother and I ... She almost didn’t give me a chance. You remember I told you that story, right?’

‘I recall Mum saying you sent her favourite flowers for months until she finally caved and gave you one date because she felt sorry for you.’

‘One date is all it took to convince her I was the one.’