Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 142801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“Oh, they were. Listen to this. The besotted businessman and his American love were described as clinging to each other like honeymooners, their chemistry electric and their hands everywhere, before they were whisked away in a chauffeur-driven car. This Little Bird is still clutching her pearls, because she makes that, allegedly, alfresco naughty twice in two weeks!”
So we’d gotten a little handsy. But it was dark; there was no one around. Or so I thought. The strap of her top had slipped from her shoulder and . . . “Is there an accompanying photograph?”
“No.”
“Good.” Una Smith must be bloody unhinged. This was not the deal we struck. At least she’s naming no names. Not that she needs to.
“Sounds like the real deal,” he teases.
“Sounds like a load of old rubbish. Speaking of deals, Northaby is done.”
“You got it? Well, that’s great.”
“Your enthusiasm underwhelms me, Phineas.”
He shrugs. “That place has been your hard-on.”
“The prospect of making money doesn’t excite you?”
“Money doesn’t make a person happy. Love does.”
I snort. Then frown. “How many glasses of wine did you have with lunch?”
“Oliver.” He draws out my name. “You’ve gotta admit the way you’ve been since Eve walked onto the scene is like night and day to how you were last year.”
“Last year was . . .” A fucking mess. Atherton. Lucy. So much pain in those two names. I’m glad to finally feel as though I’m putting one of them behind me. Not that I’ll ever get over . . . “Well, trying,” I say, settling on the word and banishing the rest from my thoughts.
“Oh, you weren’t irritated. You were a fucking beast. But I get it—you were under a lot of stress. But now? Now you’re a teddy bear.”
“Don’t be asinine.” Speaking of lunch, I think mine has given me a case of indigestion. I press my palm to my sternum at the sudden discomfort.
“Eve’s had a real calming influence on you.”
“Now you’re just being ridiculous. Eve makes me feel anything but calm—the woman is like a whirlwind.”
“I didn’t say she was calm. I said she made you calm. Anyway, what are you gonna do with the place?”
“Northaby?” I should be relieved in the change of conversational direction, but this ache . . . “What I always said I would.”
“I think turning the place into a hotel is an amazing idea. It’ll be like a whole holiday venue. Luxury for the parents—pool, spa, and fancy restaurants—and then animal entertainment for the kids.”
“Yes, come and feed your offspring to the lions. Sounds like a lawsuit in waiting.”
“Not if it’s done right. You’ll keep part of the place private though, right?”
“What for?”
“For you. Eve. And maybe later, a few little Olivers and Eves.” He mimes the pitter-patter of little feet with his fingers. Arse. “Imagine living in that place.”
And I do—just for a moment. A moment of bliss. Bliss that’s short lived.
I used her for my own means. For revenge. I’m no better than Atherton, though it took me a while to admit that to myself. Aren’t I still using her now? Stringing her along, knowing I’m incapable of love? Unworthy of her love?
“You okay?”
“No. I don’t feel too well.” When this is all over, I probably won’t ever want to look at Northaby again.
“What is it?”
“I think I’m coming down with something.” I suck in a deep breath. “My chest hurts.” I can’t be having a heart attack at my age. Can I?
“You were okay a minute ago.”
“And now I’m not,” I snap. I don’t remember the last time I felt unwell. I have the constitution of an ox—I’m never ill.
“Your chest, huh?”
“Yes.” I rub my sternum with my knuckles. “What is that sensation? I feel like something has burrowed into it.”
“Into your heart?” The corner of his mouth kicks up. “It’s not—gasp! Horror!—love?”
“The heart is not some mythical vessel—it’s a muscle! What are you laughing about? I might be having a heart attack! Oof. Fuck.” And now, I suddenly feel short of breath.
“Haven’t you ever heard the song ‘Love Hurts’?”
“Yes, and I’ve also heard the song ‘I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside,’ but I’m not sure what that’s got to do with anything.”
“You should just admit it. Works for me. Eve is cool. She keeps you on your toes, and you need that.”
“Admit what? That we’re enjoying ourselves? That one minute, we’re at each other’s throats like cat and dog, and the next—”
“You’re the same species?”
“We are completely unsuited. She’s ethical, good, and kind. She’s a vet, for fuck’s sake! She fixes things, while I tear them apart.”
“For money.”
“Which she has no interest in. She deserves better than me.”
“Huh.” He brings his hand to his chin, stroking it pensively. “Don’t you think that’s a question for Eve?”
“What is that?” I circle a finger, indicating his face. “Are you playing at therapist? Because you can fuck right off! I don’t even want a safari park.”