‘But Nick was all right?’ I asked. ‘When they left, he was happy?’

‘He seemed very relieved.’ Paul smiled suddenly. ‘He was right about you, though.’

‘What do you mean?’ I asked, wishing his smile was not so warm.

‘When you’re angry, you’re a sight to see – a real flame-haired goddess.’

Our lovemaking that night was more of a celebration for my being alive and unharmed, rather than outright lust, that and being more than slightly drunk. Not that the night was without passion. We made the little caravan rock on its springs. But in the morning, we both knew that it hadn’t been a good idea.

When I awoke, Paul was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at a picture on his phone. He wasn’t aware that I had woken and I was able to study the muscular contours of his back and shoulders, smooth skin made golden by the early sun, and the sad, lost look on his face. I sat up and rested my chin on his shoulder so that I could see the picture too. A pretty, brown-haired woman pointed towards the camera, crouching next to a dark-haired toddler who looked just like his daddy. ‘How long is it since you’ve seen them?’

‘A few weeks.’ His voice was laden with longing.

‘Then go and see them now. Today. Take some time off.’

He turned to me, dark eyes full of guilt. ‘Juno, I don’t want you to feel used.’

I silenced him, placing a finger against his lips. ‘Look, we had a great time last night, but I’m not stupid.’ I smiled, taking his chin between my hands. ‘Go and see your wife and child.’

He frowned. ‘Will you be all right? I don’t think you need to worry about those two Russians. I don’t think they’ll be back.’

‘I’ll be fine.’

He smiled and stroked my cheek. ‘You’re great, Juno.’

‘Yeah, yeah, I’m a real goddess!’ I shivered and pulled the duvet around my bare shoulders. ‘Now make me a cup of tea, you swine. I’ve got to go and walk dogs in a minute.’

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

To be truthful, it took a while for me to stop looking over my shoulder for Russian thugs. I stayed away from Nick. He kept phoning, trying to persuade me to go and see him but I didn’t answer his messages. I tried to forget all about him.