‘But I haven’t done anything,’ Evan protested. ‘I was ready to go to bed, but she pulled me down and started kissing me.’

‘Is not true,’ Irena sobbed. ‘I do not touch him.’

Evan snapped his head round and stared at her in disbelief.

‘Why are you lying? You’ve been flirting with me all week, so don’t make out like I was trying to force myself on you. You’re the one who started this, and you should have told me if you changed your mind.’

‘Go to your room,’ Frank repeated. ‘We’ll talk about this in the morning.’

Refusing to leave it at that, Evan said, ‘Tell him the truth, Irena. What the hell’s up with you?’

‘That’s enough,’ Frank said sternly, shoving him out into the hall. ‘You know what she’s been through, and I’ve been telling you all week to leave her alone, but you just wouldn’t listen, would you?’

‘But she started it,’ Evan insisted. ‘She was all over me the minute you went to bed. Why would I lie?’

‘You’re the one who’s been doing all the chasing, as far as I can see,’ said Frank. ‘And the booze has clearly gone to your head and made you think she feels the same. But you’re wrong.’

‘Christ, you believe her, don’t you?’ Evan gaped at him. ‘You hardly even know her – and I’m your son, so why are you taking her word over mine?’

‘I know what I saw,’ Frank said. ‘And I’m not discussing this with you while you’re drunk, so go to bed before you do any more damage.’

Evan’s cheek muscles twitched, and he balled his hands into fists. For a split second Frank thought he was about to be punched, but then Evan shook his head and took a step back.

‘You know what, she ain’t worth it. I don’t know what her game is, but if you swallow that bullshit, you deserve everything that’s coming to you.’

‘What are you doing?’ Frank asked when Evan turned and yanked his jacket off the hook. ‘You can’t drive, you’ve been drinking.’

‘So?’ Evan tugged the jacket on and pulled his keys out of his pocket.

‘I’m not letting you put yourself and anyone else who might be on the road in danger,’ Frank said, putting himself between Evan and the door. ‘Now go to bed and stop being stupid.’

‘I’ve only had a couple of glasses,’ Evan said, easily pushing him out of the way. ‘And don’t bother talking to me again until you’re ready to apologize for calling me a rapist.’

‘I didn’t say that,’ Frank protested, following him out onto the step.

‘As good as,’ Evan shot back, marching over to the Land Rover.