“Precious? Really?” Nate didn’t know whether to laugh at hearing this or feel affronted. But while he might not have agreed with Jess on that particular observation, he knew she was right when it came to his previous relationships. The women in his past weren’t ever interested in him, they were interested in what he had. Or, more to the point, what they thought he had. Flick was the complete opposite.
Again, his insides came over all funny as he pictured her. She looked beautiful the other night, on the terrace by the lake under the moonlight. His lips formed a little smile, a smile that didn’t go unnoticed.
“Could it be that our Nate’s in love?” Pete asked, both his and his wife’s knowing eyes suddenly upon Nate.
“I can neither confirm nor deny that,” Nate said.
“Spoilsport,” Jess said.
Nate’s phone suddenly rang, to his relief, preventing any further discussion on the matter.
“Saved by the bell,” Pete said, much to Nate’s amusement and Jess’s disappointment.
He checked the number. “It’s Aunt Julia. Wonder what she wants.” Clicking to answer, she launched into a tirade of ramblings and he was forced to pull the mobile away from his ear for a second. Listening once more, Nate’s jovial expression vanished as he struggled to get his head around what she was saying.
No way would Flick do that. Would she?
36
Foot down on his accelerator, Nate didn’t care about speed limits. Red mist had descended and all reason had abandoned him as he raced out of town. Heading straight for the chateau, he gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. His temples bulged as fury coursed through his veins. How could she do this to him? How could he be so stupid as to fall for it?
Staring ahead, he drove on automatic pilot, only hitting his brakes when he needed to come off the main drag. He swung the van into a right turn, struggling to control the vehicle as he forced it back into a straight. Bounding over numerous potholes, he found himself thrown in all directions, however, keeping hold of the wheel he still refused to slow down. He drove through the chateau’s open large iron gates, all at once skidding as the van’s tyres hit the gravel drive. They had to have planned this. Why hadn’t he seen it coming?
He depressed the accelerator further and, picking up more speed, waited until the chateau entrance was upon him before slamming on his brakes. The van’s wheels locked, bringing him to an abrupt halt. Unclipping his seatbelt, Nate fought with the strap in a desperate attempt to free himself before managing to climb out. He marched towards the entrance door and despite its weight, flung it open as he let himself in. Voices sounded from the kitchen and he charged down the hall.
Flick and Brenda were already out of their seats as he pushed the kitchen door open and with such force it hit the wall. Their faces showed a mixture of fright and confusion. Not that he cared. They had done this. Not him.
“Jesus Christ,” Flick’s mother said. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“What doIthink I’m doing?”
“Nate,” Flick said. “What’s wrong?”
She took a step towards him, but he put a hand up warning her to stay put. He hadn’t felt so angry in a long time and he was in danger of saying something he’d regret.
She froze. “Nate?” she said again, her voice meek.
He looked from her to Brenda, the fear in their eyes enough to shock him back to his senses. He had a rule when it came to women, there was a line he refused to cross. Besides, showing any temper would only play into their hands, no doubt, giving them more ammunition when it came to their scam. He forced himself to calm down, letting some of the red mist dissipate before speaking again. “Why?” he finally asked. “Why would you do this?”
“Do what?” Flick replied.
Nate might recognise the need to keep his rage in check, but that didn’t mean he’d let the two women continue to treat him like an idiot. Flick could portray the vulnerable, little innocent all she wanted but her act didn’t work any more. The game was up. “I have to hand it to you both. I actually fell for your sob story. Poor deserted bride looking for a new start.”
“Excuse me,” Brenda said. “How dare you…”
“How dare I what?”
The woman fell silent.
“If this is about Matthew,” Flick said. “I’m as shocked as you are about him turning up. I...”
“Matthew? What’s he got to do with anything?” Nate scoffed. “At this moment, I seriously doubt the man even exists.”
“Of course he exists,” Brenda snapped.
“And he’s in on it too, is he?”
“In on what?” Flick asked.
