I stared at him. ‘It wasn’t one single thing you said or did. It was everything. My promotion—’

‘Oh, I get it.’ He curled his lip meanly. ‘This is about money. I don’t earn enough to keep her Ladyship in frilly knickers.’

‘It has nothing to do with money,’ I jumped to my feet, breathing heavily, ‘and everything to do with respect.’

‘You talk about respect,’ he spat, springing up to face me. ‘Where was your respect for me when I offered to look after you so you didn’t have to go out to work? Most women would kill for a gentleman like me.’

The heat in here was beginning to build, I needed fresh air. I crossed to the French doors which led out to the back garden and unlocked them.

‘A gentleman doesn’t pull hair like you did last week.’

‘Oh, Lottie,’ he groaned, ‘how can you be so stupid? I love the feel of your soft hair and the smell of it. All fresh like flowers. I wasn’t going to hurt you. I’d never hurt you. Come on.’ He looked wounded. ‘You’re making out I was some sort of animal.’

I tried to open the French door but the handle was stiff and I was beginning to feel claustrophobic.

‘I need air, I need to get out,’ I muttered desperately.

‘No you don’t.’

I felt Harvey’s hand on my shoulder and cried out as he spun me round. He took my face in his hands and his eyes burned fiercely into mine. He smelled of sweat and a wave of nausea rose in my throat.

‘You and me, we’re meant to be together. I’m good for you. You need me. You’ll never get anyone who loves you like I do.’

I tried to shake my head but he was holding me too tightly.

‘This isn’t love; you want to own me, control me,’ I stammered, trying to prise his fingers from my cheeks. Every nerve in my body wanted to scream for help, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me beg.

The door from the hall banged open and Evie appeared, my tiny guardian angel.

‘Let go of her.’ She had her phone in her hand and held it up to show us that the screen was lit. ‘I’ve called the police. They’re on their way.’

He released me with a push that sent me crashing into the glass behind me and I almost sobbed with relief.

‘Hang up!’ he shouted.

Evie shook her head defiantly. ‘No way. Anyway, the location will already have been logged.’

‘Harvey, don’t!’ I gasped as he lunged to tear the phone from her. Evie put the phone behind her back, holding it firm with both hands.

‘Bitches!’ Harvey roared, his face purple with fury. ‘You’re both stupid bitches.’

‘Get out,’ Evie yelled back.