Ryan’s mouth twisted and for a moment, Bryony thought he’d say nothing.

“She slept with my brother just weeks after we became engaged.”

“That’ll do it,” she said wearily. “I’m sorry that happened to you. Sucks when people you put all your faith into gut you in return.”

“That about sums up my feelings on the subject,” Ryan said with an amused chuckle.

She drained the juice and set the glass back down on the table.

“Let me get you something to eat. Can you keep it down now?”

Ryan’s concern was endearing and she offered a halfhearted smile. “Thanks. I don’t feel hungry, but you’re right. I should probably eat.”

He got up and a few minutes later returned with a selection of deli sandwiches and another glass of orange juice. As soon as she took the first bite, she realized just how hungry she was.

Ryan studied her for a long moment, sympathy bright in his eyes. “What will you do now?”

She paused midchew and then continued before swallowing. She took a sip of the juice and then set the glass back down.

“Go home. Have a baby. Try to forget. Move on with my life. I have my grandmother and the people on the island. I’ll be fine.”

“I wonder if that’s what Kelly did,” he mused aloud. “Went on with her life.”

“Is that her name? Kelly? Your ex-fiancée?”

He nodded.

“So she didn’t hang around? With your brother I mean? I suppose that would be awkward at family get-togethers.”

“No, she didn’t hang around. I have no idea where she went.”

“Probably just as well. If she was the kind of person who’d sleep with the brother of the man she’s going to marry, she isn’t worth your idle curiosity.”

“Maybe,” he said quietly.

Silence fell and Bryony picked at her food, getting down what she could. She kept hearing Rafael’s damning words over and over in her head. No matter what she did, she couldn’t turn it off, couldn’t make it go away.

She was humiliated. She was angry. But more than anything, she was destroyed. Twice she’d allowed him to manipulate her and to make her love him. Worse, she’d fallen even deeper in love the second time around. She’d been ready to capitulate and give him what he’d wanted all along. What he didn’t even need from her because he had no intention of ever honoring his promise to her.

She was twice a fool for believing him and for not being smart enough to get the agreement in writing.

She was an even bigger fool for loving him.

A tear slid down her cheek and she hastily wiped it away but to her dismay another fell in its place.