I don’t because I had one a few hours ago, but I nod anyway and take one, as he’s obviously hinting that I should. When I come out in my dressing gown, I find Liam sitting on the edge of my bed. ‘There you go,’ he says with a smile. ‘Lovely and clean. Come here.’ He holds out his hand.

I step forward and he undoes the belt on my dressing gown so that it falls open. I swallow, flames rippling up my body as he runs his fingers across my stomach and hips and then kisses me just below my belly button. He lets out a groan. ‘Are you mine?’ he asks in a murmur.

I stroke his hair, holding his head against my stomach. ‘Yes,’ I say.

‘You’ve saved me,’ he murmurs. ‘You know that?’

I hold his head against my stomach, feeling his grip on me tighten as he burrows his face against my belly and breathes in deep. ‘I thought women would only betray me, but you’re different. I’m so glad I found you.’

‘I’m glad too,’ I say, feeling my heart fill up with love.

He lays me down on the bed and then he takes off his clothes. He lies beside me and pushes my legs apart and I let out a gasp. It’s all going a bit fast. I’ve never had a good sexual experience, and I was hoping with Liam things would be different. I want to tell him to wait, but the words are frozen on my tongue. It hurts when he pushes inside me, but I can tell he likes it. He’s happy, and that’s what counts.

‘Is that good?’ he asks.

I nod, tears prickling my eyes.

‘Tell me,’ he urges. ‘Tell me how good it feels.’

I have no idea what I’m meant to say – I can’t speak – but he’s insistent. ‘It’s great,’ I mumble, mortified.

Finally, it’s over.

He rolls off and then he looks at me, shaking his head in wonder and grinning. I feel so relieved. He seems to have liked it. ‘I love you,’ he says.

‘I love you too,’ I answer, feeling a glow inside.