Page 128 of The Jealous Girl

‘Okay, that could be interesting.’

‘At Corfe Castle,’ I added.

Ben shifted, his interest piqued. ‘Even more interesting. If it had been legitimate Blackwater business⁠—’

‘They’d have met at the stables,’ I finished for him, eager for him to reach the same conclusion I had.

‘The vet’s involved,’ Ben said with a smile.

44

THEN

Late August

Last Friday

I held on to the door frame and pulled myself to my feet.

My legs shook beneath me.

I had no idea how long I’d been sitting on the hall floor, staring at the door, waiting for Ryan to come back.

But he hadn’t.

I staggered back into the bedroom. My gaze fell on the bed. The sheet was twisted, half hanging off, where we had discarded it.

The tears came then.

I’d cried for him before. Two years ago.

But, back then, I’d been the one to leave.

Two Years Ago – Mid September

‘Are you happy, Ryan?’ I asked as the kettle boiled. ‘Working at the stables, living in your parents’ house?’

He looked up from his cereal bowl and shrugged.

‘We came here for you. Because it’s what you wanted. But⁠—’

‘What I wanted?’ Ryan scoffed. ‘Do you seriously think any of this is what I wanted?’

I frowned. ‘Then why are we here?’

‘My family needs me. My dad nearly died, Kirsty. I might never have got to see him again. Do you have any idea how much that would have hurt?’ Ryan put his hand to his chest as he spoke.

‘You’re seriously asking me that?’ I stared at him, stunned. ‘You know what I’ve been through with my family.’

Ryan shook his head. ‘It’s not the same. I love my family.’

I turned away, busying myself with the mundane task of making a cup of tea, not allowing his words to truly land.

‘Your dad’s back working in the stables now. So let’s leave,’ I said, pushing past the sharp throbbing that lingered in my chest. ‘Let’s go back to Malta. To⁠—’

‘I can’t just leave.’

I turned to face him. ‘But, if you’re not happy here…’