She did not claim money from the State, she paid for herself and her boy. The fact she did not accept money from the State meant that her parents could not find her when the fancy took them. Without claiming benefits, or paying tax, she knew she was living under the radar, and that was just how she wanted it. She was just another young girl trying to lose herself, and all she came from, and she had done a good job up to now of avoiding anything to do with the law, the courts, and the social services. She worked for her boy, her little Bernard. He was all that mattered to her.

Now, though, despite her good intentions, she had fallen for Liam Bailey of all people! She was just waiting for him to leave her, waiting for him to let her down. She was willing to enjoy him while she could, knowing that he would eventually break her heart, because even a few weeks of happiness were better than none; they would give her at least a few good memories for the future. She had so few memories of any kind of happiness that she was prepared to have her heart broken just to gather a few more. She was willing to grab any happiness she could from this man because she loved him – she loved him with a vengeance. He affected her in every possible way, from his looks to his voice to his demeanour. She worshipped him.

Liam had woken and was watching her. She looked so vulnerable; he could almost feel the anxiety emanating from her. He wondered, not for the first time, how such a beautiful girl could have such a low opinion of herself.

‘Any chance of a cup of tea?’

Mandy physically jumped at his voice. He instinctively grabbed her arm to calm her and, pulling her to him, he said sadly, ‘What is wrong with you? You’re so nervous all the time.’

She could feel his heartbeat. She loved the feel of him; he was so big he made her feel safe, and she loved that he was so kind, and he was kind. It was such a big part of his nature.

Bernard started to cry in the next room, and he felt her stiffen. ‘You make the tea, Mandy, and I’ll get the lad, OK?’

She nodded, her eyes wide. She had lovely eyes, deep blue and really beautiful, but they were always full of fear.

‘Make the tea, love. What does little Bernard have? Milk? Bring him his usual.’