Page 165 of In Love and Revenge

I stare out of the window, blinking hard.

My father’s next words carry a tenderness he’s never used with me before. But they hit me like a freight train straight through the heart.

‘Get yourself back to London, son. Give her up. She isn’t coming back to you.’

My heart clamps painfully, like acid’s being pumped through it.

‘I’ve got to go,’ I choke, ending the call.

I tug on my tie, loosening it and fumbling to undo the top button of my shirt, sweat beading on my brow.

‘So damn hot,’ I rasp, throwing open my car door.

But it does nothing. The fabric sticks to my back as I heave in a breath, wincing as my lungs scream out and my heart thunders between them like it’s trying to break past my ribs.

I climb from the car, the cool air hitting my face as I push a hand through my hair, then run it around the back of my burning neck.

A stab of intense pain hits me in the chest, and I grab the car door to steady myself.

Reaching inside, I pull out a bottle of water, unscrewing it, and immediately downing half.

I’m fine. I just need air. I’ll feel better soon.

I check my watch. She’s almost an hour and a half late now.

I rub at my chest, wincing.

I’m fine.

She’ll be back soon and this pain that’s been coming and going since she left will ease again. It’s never been this strong, but as soon as I see my Beauty’s face, all will be right in the world again.

Chapter 40

Aurora

‘I could have caught a cab. It’s late.’

‘Why? I drive this way home, it’s no bother.’

‘Well, thanks,’ I tell Joe as we roll to a stop in his car.

We went out for one of the receptionists’ leaving drinks straight after my shift, and I am more than ready for my bed.

My gaze immediately falls on Rafe’s car in its usual spot. He isn’t leaning against it like he usually would be. I squint at the windscreen but it’s already dark outside and hard to make out if he’s sitting in the driver’s seat or not. But he must be. Where else would he be?

‘You okay?’ Joe asks.

I turn back in time to see his eyes lift from my cleavage. I changed into a dress to go for drinks, and the one I’m wearing is low-cut and figure-hugging.

‘Undo another button ... tell me he doesn’t stare at your tits.’

I swallow at the memory of Rafael’s words as Joe licks his lips.

‘Did anyone ever tell you how beautiful you are?’

‘My boyfriend. The guy who’s here every day waiting for me,’ I reply without missing a beat.

Joe’s face creases into an easy smile and he throws his hands up, not an ounce of malice in his accompanying chuckle.