His face screwed into an angry snarl. ‘Don’t you tell me what I can and can’t do.’ His mood had flipped in an instant, and when he started jabbing a finger at her, she knew better than to argue. ‘I know what the deal is. And I know what I’m doing. I don’t need Mrs I’ve-got-a-business-studies-degree to lecture me, thank you very much. It’s my job and I’ll do things my way.’

He reached out to pick up the remaining bottle of beer, but miscalculated, and it fell to the floor, smashing on the tiles. Sara jumped back, beer splashing her feet and legs, watching as splinters of glass skittered in all directions, glittering against the dark tiles like stars in the night sky.

She glowered at Matt, and he glared back. ‘I didn’t do it on purpose, did I?’

‘Oh, just…’ She pressed her lips together, let her curses rattle round inside her head instead of speaking them out loud. ‘Why don’t you go to bed. I’ll sort this out.’

‘Yeah, well done, Matt, for bringing a shitload of money into the house.’ His voice mocked hers. ‘Thank you for providing for your family.’

‘It’s brilliant, love. Brilliant. I’m really pleased,’ she said in a voice that sounded as excited as if he’d just announced he’d bought a loaf of bread. She grabbed the cloth and started to wipe up the mess of glass and beer.

‘Christ, I don’t know what’s got into you recently.’ Sara looked up, realising it was a mistake as soon as she saw the accusation in his eyes. ‘You’re seeing someone else, aren’t you?’

‘I’m bloody not. I’m working my arse off to keep money coming in after you lost your job.’ She concentrated on clearing up the glass, not wanting to catch his eye in case he could see what was happening in her heart. How it was wavering, being treacherous, developing feelings that she knew were wrong.

‘It’s that James, isn’t it? That’s who you’re having it off with.’

‘I’m not. I work with him and that’s it. Don’t go accusing me of—’

‘Yeah, like you’re gonna be honest with me.’ He pointed at her, his finger swaying in the air. ‘I’m watching you.’ He stumbled backwards towards the hallway. ‘Eyes all over the place, and if I find out you’re cheating on me, then you’re gone. You hear? You’re out of this house with nothing.’