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“I’m fine. Truthfully, I just want to be alone.”
He exhaled softly. “I don’t know …”
“Colin,” she burst out laughing. “I’m in Mayfair, not Brixton. And it’s ten o’clock, not three in the morning. And you’re just a very nice guy I met in a bar, not my mother.”
“Fine. Just … try to look after yourself.”
He raised his hand and a passing taxi pulled up instantly. “Good night, Cassie.”
“Good night.” She stepped closer as he climbed into the cab. “And Colin?”
“Yes?”
“I don’t believe in marriage. I don’t know if I even believe in love. But I do believe that the only time you should even think of promising yourself to someone for the rest of your life is if they deserve you. And she didn’t deserve you. I hope you can realise that, and forget about her.”
His eyes sparkled with self-deprecation. “Maybe. The flip side of love, though, is loyalty. And it’s a bugger of a thing to shake.” He sank into his seat and lifted his hand in a farewell.
Cassie crossed her arms over her chest and began to move down Oxford street. It was a strange beast, for in the afternoon, she could barely make progress owing to the number of people milling in the entrances of the stores. Now, late at night, there was the occasional drifter, a couple of very drunk teenagers, and her. Alone and lonely-feeling, for the first time in years.
She focussed her gaze in the direction of Hyde Park. Lights sparkled between her and it’s green gates, and it reminded her of the Christmas lights that would soon – in a matter of months – adorn the street. Spangled across the buildings like decorative spider-webbing.
But for now, it was dark and it was empty, completely devoid of festive cheer.
Or maybe that was just her.
She groaned into the silent solitude.
What had she done?
Why had she let him go?
Because he would own you. Her inner-voice was speaking the truth. A man like Layth Sati was powerful, and he was always in charge. Of everything. It wasn’t possible to imagine that she could see him again without giving a part of herself to him.
She bit down on her lower lip mercilessly, and her eyes scanned Oxford street. Her home was in one direction, and in the other was Layth.
Her body flickered with hope.
Layth.
Pleasure-giving, handsome, desirable Layth.
She made a sound of frustration and raised her hand.
“Where to?” The cab driver asked when she slid into the seat.
That, she thought to herself, was a very good question.
4
The sky was tinged with orange and purple streaks. It glowed as though someone had enjoyed squishing peaches and mulberries across its width. Usually, such beauty would have earned if not his appreciation at least Layth’s admiration. Nothing inspired more awe from him, generally, than nature at its finest. And a stunning day was yolking across London.
Layth was not in any kind of mood to marvel at it, however.
He was fuming.
He hadn’t slept.
And he felt a growing wave of frustration in his body.
