‘I love him,’ I sob, admitting aloud for the first time that I’m still in love with the confounding man, who is even more of a mystery now than he ever was before some of his secrets were revealed. I can’t fall into his darkness if I’m keeping it light. ‘It’s painful love.’
He winces at my confession, and I know it’s because he identifies with how that feels. ‘The pain will subside, Olivia.’
‘Has it for you?’ I ask.
‘I don’t . . .’ He frowns and drops my chin from his hold. I’ve surprised him with my question.
I don’t give him a chance to pull himself together. ‘You’re crippled by agony every day. You let your Gracie go.’
‘I had no—’
‘No,’ I cut him off, and he doesn’t chastise me for it. The formidable William Anderson snaps his stubbled jaw shut without a word. ‘Don’t tell me it gets easier.’
His smart-suited shoulders sag and I sidestep him, making my way to the Tube, my words spoken to William strengthening my reasons to take Miller on. Years after walking away from Gracie, William Anderson is still in agony. He hasn’t got over her, and he doesn’t look like he ever will. If William Anderson has felt like I do right now for all these years, then I think I’d rather take death.
‘Get in the car,’ William calls from the inside as it slows alongside me.
‘No, thank you.’
‘Damn you, Olivia!’ he yells, halting my determined march. ‘Don’t make me manhandle you.’
I’m stunned into silence and stillness by his threat, the coolness of this well-respected, well-contained man heated to the boiling point. ‘You’re just going to nag me,’ I splutter, not knowing what else to say.
He actually rolls his eyes, stunning me further. ‘I’m not your father.’
‘Then stop acting like it,’ I spit, that word enhancing the absence of a male confidant in my life. I haven’t needed one for twenty-four years. But then again, I’ve not encountered a Miller Hart during that time. Until now.
‘Would you kindly get in and allow me to drive you home?’
‘Are you going to chew my ear off?’
He refrains from laughing, leaning over and opening the door. ‘I’ve done some questionable things in my time, Olivia, but I’m not guilty of chewing any ears.’
I narrow my eyes suspiciously until he gives me an expectant look. I’ve no doubt William would manhandle me, so to save a public spectacle, I cautiously slide into the Lexus and shut the door gently.
‘Thank you,’ he says, relaxing back in his seat. The driver pulls away and I rest my bag on my lap, fiddling with the buckles for something to do other than wait for him to speak. ‘Will nothing I say convince you that he’s a bad idea?’
I sigh, exasperated, and flop back against my seat. ‘You said you weren’t going to chew my ear.’
‘No, I said I never had before. There’s a first time for everything.’
‘Cute,’ I mutter. ‘I’m meeting him for dinner this evening.’
‘Why?’
‘To talk.’
‘About what?’
‘I think you know.’
‘What happened in that hotel?’
‘Nothing.’ I grind the words through my tight jaw. I was delusional to ever think he would let that go. I’m not telling him, despite the fact that I suspect he knows all too well. And, anyway, I’d never be able to utter the words. Thinking them is hard enough.
‘Nothing,’ he muses. ‘So you looked like a frightened kitten because nothing happened?’
‘Yes,’ I spit, despising that he clearly has his suspicions. I’m not confirming them.
‘Of course,’ he sighs. ‘What’s worrying is that you’re going back for more.’
‘More what?’
‘More of Miller Hart.’
I have to fight to stop myself from screaming, ‘That wasn’t Miller Hart!’
‘Where are you meeting?’ he continues after observing me closely for a few moments.
‘I don’t know. He gave me an address for a restaurant.’
‘Let me see.’
Losing a bit of patience, I fish through my satchel and pull the receipt out, thrusting it across the back seat without looking at William. ‘There.’
It’s taken from my grasp, and I hear him hum thoughtfully. ‘Nice place. I’ll take you.’
‘Oh no!’ I laugh, swinging disbelieving eyes his way. ‘I’ll get myself there.’ I don’t want William interfering. Enough people are already, even if they’re unaware of the whole horrid story. And their determined efforts to stop me from seeing Miller only spells out how much more resistance I’ll be facing should they know.
‘I’ll simply drop you off.’
‘It’s not necessary.’
‘Either you accept my ride, or you don’t go.’ He’s deadly serious.
‘Why are you doing this?’ I ask, but then his reasons are too clear. ‘Is this an attempt to ease your guilt?’
‘What?’ He’s all defensive, spiking my curiosity and my annoyance.
‘Gracie. You failed her, so you’re trying to redeem yourself by helping me?’
‘That’s nonsense!’ he laughs, looking away from me.
It’s not nonsense at all. It’s perfect sense.
‘I don’t need your help, William. I am not my mother!’