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“Such as?”
“Well, for one, I help pay my father’s mortgage. If I move out, how will he survive?”
“How much is his home worth?”
“I-I don’t know.” I do a quick mental calculation. “Dad bought it back in the nineties, so if I hazard a guess, I’d say he owes the bank around a hundred grand. I don’t know, I’d have to check. It was an interest only mortgage too, so I doubt he’s paid much of the capital off. He’s terrible with money.”
“No problem. If it means I can have you all to myself, then I’ll happily pay off his mortgage.”
My eyes widen. “What? The whole hundred grand?”
“Yes. It’s a small price to pay for your freedom.”
“Oh my gosh Nick, that’s so lovely of you, but really, I can’t let you do that. It wouldn’t feel right.”
“Why not?”
“It’s too much money. I mean, come on, a hundred grand! ”
“Carly, he’s my future father-in-law. He’s virtually family. Really, it’s no big deal and money is no object. If it means taking away that financial burden, then I’ll do it, no problem. In fact, I insist, so no more arguments, okay? I’ll transfer the money as soon as the banks are open.”
My lips make a tight smile. “Thank you, I don’t know what to say.”
“Just tell me that you’re going to move in with me and I’ll be happy.”
I drop my face onto his chest. I can feel his heart beating.
“Is that a yes?” Nick pushes.
“Yes,” I say.
“Fantastic! Then that’s settled. We’ll go to your house tomorrow and pick up your things. Oh my darling, I’m so happy. This is the start of a whole new life for us.”
I nod my head slowly. I should be happy as well, but there are too many things bothering me. Images of Veda’s demonic face keep popping into my head and the thought of seeing her again makes me ill.
“Why do you think she came back?” I ask timidly.
“Who?”
“Veda.”
Nick’s body stiffens and I can sense his mind ticking over. “To catch up, I suppose. Veda lives in Austria, but every couple of years, she returns to London and pays me a visit for old times’ sake. I don’t exactly look forward to those encounters, for obvious reasons. Usually we meet in my garden and reminisce about Coppélia, and well, that’s about it.”
“What sort of relationship do you have with her?”
“We don’t really have one. The affection we once had died long ago. Now we’re more like acquaintances, but we do still have a mutual respect for each other. Given our shared history, how could we not?” He pauses, weighing up his words. “Please don’t be scared of Veda. I know she looks fearsome, but she would never, ever hurt you. She knows that you’re mine, and we made a pact long ago, never to tread on each other’s territory.”
My brows snap together. “I’m not sure I can believe that,” I say.
“Why not?”
“It’s hard to describe.”
“Try.”
“When I saw Veda in the garden, it was like there was an evil energy pouring out of her, like pure hatred. I don’t know if it was directed at me, but it was absolutely terrifying.”
Nick falls silent for a while. “Nevertheless, she isn’t a threat to you,” he insists. “Believe me Carly, I know. Veda and I have an understanding.”
