‘Then explain yourself. Last night was perfect between us. What’s changed since then? You’re a big one on telling the truth, Mike. But you’re not telling me the truth now. I can feel it.’

‘Can you just?’

‘Yes,’ she said, her eyes searching his.

He dragged his eyes away, slamming his case shut and zipping it up before glaring back at her.

‘Don’t be like all the others, Natalie. Don’t make a bloody scene. Just accept what I say.’

‘I’m not making a scene,’ she countered. ‘You’re the one making a scene. And I want to know why.’

‘I’m going up on deck to have breakfast,’ he told her harshly. ‘You can please yourself what you do.’

Mike knew he had to get away.

Whirling, he strode swiftly towards the door, his hand lifting for the knob.

‘You love me, don’t you?’

Mike’s hand froze in mid-air, his entire body stilling as well.

‘That’s what you’re afraid of,’ she threw at him. ‘Loving me.’

Mike closed his eyes for a moment. Then he turned, slowly, his insides churning, but his resolve strong. She wanted the truth. She would get the truth.

‘No,’ he denied. ‘I’m not afraid of loving you. I’m afraid of hurting you. And of wasting your time. Yes, you’re right. I do love you, Natalie. More than I ever thought possible. But you don’t love me back. I know that. And I can understand why. I’m not a very lovable man. Far better you find someone you can love. Someone who’ll give you everything you want, and deserve. A happy life. And children. You’d make a wonderful mother.’

‘Oh, God,’ she choked out, tears flooding her eyes.

‘See what I mean? I’ve made you cry. And that’s the last thing I wanted to do. I was trying to be cruel to be kind earlier. I was letting you go. But, like always, you couldn’t let sleeping dogs lie, could you?’

‘You don’t understand,’ she sobbed.

‘What don’t I understand? And, for pity’s sake, please cover yourself up.’

Natalie scrambled to pull the sheet up, dabbing at her eyes whilst she struggled to find the right words to say to him. Her heart was so full. Of joy. And of fear.

How was he going to react when she told him she did love him? Would he believe her? And what about her possible pregnancy? He was sure to be angry with her, even if he did love her. Maybe he’d think she’d been trying to trap him all along. Oh God, she hoped not.

‘But I do love you,’ she blurted out.

His eyes widened, his face losing colour.

‘Don’t say that unless you mean it.’

‘I do mean it. Oh, you’ve no idea how much I mean it.’