Lou had been the lookout from the far lane where the cars were all parked up, and once he’d received the text that it was over, he’d driven through the small opening in the bushes, along the unmade road, and stopped outside the hangar. His mind went back to the previous time he was here – the fight Zara had had with Paris Harman, and his lips turned into a smile. The shutters were opened, and he could see her in the corner of the small kitchen with a drink beside her. She looked worn out, but the tiredness had not detracted from her stunning looks.

Then he saw Mike appear from the backroom. He mentally urged Mike to talk to Zara to make things right. Everyone knew he loved her, and she loved him. That wasn’t the issue. The problem was that they were both stubborn – and in that respect, they were very well suited to one another. But, although this was the case, like anyone with an alpha personality, one of them had to give a little to make the relationship work. He watched as Mike just stood there like a lost lamb and Zara had her head tilted as she stared at the floor. ‘Go on, Mike,’ he mumbled under his breath, ‘pull ya fucking finger out. Tell the woman how you feel.’ He had the urge to get out of the car and demand that they both listen to each other.

Lou felt his heart sink as soon as he spotted Eric. Now there was a fly in the ointment, if ever there was one, he thought. What a mess: two brothers, both loving one woman. ‘Oh, Eric, you idiot,’ he grumbled.

He hoped that this day would not end in a fight between the Regan brothers; there had been enough battles lately. He watched as Eric walked over to Zara and placed his hands on her shoulders.

She looked up, her face full of sorrow. He kissed her forehead, and he then turned to face Mike, holding his hands up. Lou knew what that meant: it was over.

Surprisingly, Mike grabbed his brother’s hand, pulled him close, and hugged him. ‘Yes, that’s it,’ said Lou, quietly. ‘Brotherly love. Fuck the past!’

Lou’s eyes followed Eric as he marched towards him. He’d never seen Eric cry, but tears were streaming down his face. He walked around to the front passenger door and stepped inside. Lou noticed how his whole being was different; Eric didn’t even hide the tears.

‘I can’t believe they both forgave me. What was I thinking, Lou, eh?’