After a few seconds of staring at her Rhys looked down at his feet and she wondered if he was giving himself time to think of a reaction, or whether he had finally got the message that their relationship was over. Melody’s hopes that she had got the better of Rhys rose briefly before she saw a smug expression form on his face and he looked up and smiled at her.
‘Who do you think you are to tell me how to behave?’ He sneered at Zac. ‘And you. You’ve known her, what? Five minutes?’
She turned to see the muscle in Zac’s jaw moving frantically and Melody knew she needed to speak quickly if she wasn’t going to lose control of the situation.
‘I think we all know you lost your right to have any opinion on what I do when you acted like a thug towards me. Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, Rhys, you gave me no choice but to leave you. And, what’s more, you can be certain that whatever you say or think you’re going to do, I will never be coming back.’
‘Exactly,’ Lettie agreed.
‘Now, it really is time for you to leave,’ Melody said, desperate to see the back of him but not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing how frustrated she was with him.
‘It certainly is,’ Zac said. ‘There’s a ferry returning to the mainland in three hours and I’m sure you should be able to embark as a foot passenger.’
‘And if I refuse?’
Melody wasn’t ready to step back from this fight. ‘Then I’ll report you to the Jersey Police for assaulting me in the car park.’ She glanced at Zac. ‘You know I have a witness and I’m sure Zac won’t have any reluctance about backing up my story.’
‘I’d be only too happy to do that,’ Zac said.
Rhys looked from one to the other of them. She could tell he was unsettled by her threat. The last thing he would want is to be arrested, especially in a place where he didn’t have his own lawyer; she knew that much.
‘And how will you know if I’ve left?’ he asked, a look of bravado on his face.
‘Because, Rhys,’ Callum explained, a weary tone to his voice. ‘This is a small island, and we have friends everywhere. One of my closest friends is a customs officer at the harbour. Another two work in security at the airport. You can be certain we’ll make sure all the ports are covered to keep an eye out for you from now on.’
‘And I suppose you have photos of me to show them.’ He jeered. ‘No, of course you don’t.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous, Rhys,’ Melody said, losing her temper with him. ‘I have photos of you and won’t hesitate to share them.’
‘We’re not kidding, Rhys,’ Zac said calmly. ‘If you want to be anonymous anywhere, this really isn’t the place to choose. Not if you’re intending stalking someone who is a friend of the locals.’
Encouraged by the look of defeat on Rhys’s face, Melody began to relax.
‘Fine, but I want to see to you alone before I leave.’
‘What do you think, Melody?’ Zac asked, clearly not happy at the thought.
Rhys laughed. ‘You two are pathetic.’
Melody waited for Zac to reply and when he did his voice was low and he spoke very slowly. ‘Whether Melody is or is not interested in me is irrelevant as far as you’re concerned. Your opinion on our relationship is of no consequence to me, and I imagine to her. You are separated, don’t forget.’
‘Not legally,’ Rhys snapped triumphantly.
‘Either way,’ Lettie said. ‘Melody has made it clear she doesn’t want you in her life any more. She is finished with you, and I can guarantee you that none of us will stand by and allow you to bully her again.’
‘Allow me?’ Rhys snapped, spittle flying from his mouth. ‘How dare you? You want to watch what you’re saying.’
Lettie wiped the spittle from her cheek without diverting her gaze.
Melody was impressed with her friend’s calm reaction. Furious with Rhys, Melody stepped closer to him. ‘Be quiet, Rhys. Your threats no longer bother me. Now, why don’t you do the sensible thing and leave? Return to the mainland and get on with your life. I’ll be starting divorce proceedings soon and have every intention of getting on with my life. I suggest you do too and stop wasting your time hounding me.’
She stared deep into his eyes, determined not to look away first. She needed him to understand she meant what she was telling him. Seconds later Rhys averted his gaze. She had finally got her message across to him. For now.
‘Fine. Do what you like. I don’t care.’
Not trusting that he meant what he was saying and aware that she still probably had a long battle on her hands while their divorce went ahead, Melody decided to enjoy her triumph while it lasted.
‘Now,’ Zac said. ‘If it’s OK with Melody, I suggest Callum and I accompany you back to your hotel, help you pack and give you a lift to the harbour. It’s not far, but I have a car parked nearby so there’s no need to walk.’ He looked at her. ‘Melody? Is that all right with you?’
