‘Of course I don’t. I’m just scared, that’s all. I can feel you shutting me out. I don’t know if we can survive that kind of relationship. I don’t know if I want that.’

‘So, one little problem and you want out, is that what you’re saying?’

‘I’m saying talk to me!’

‘This is ridiculous! You can’t just come here at three in the morning and demand … this. Is this about sex?’

‘What? Of course it’s not! I mean, don’t think I haven’t noticed that you don’t seem to be interested in me anymore. I guess that’s why I asked you if there was someone else.’

‘Do you really think I would do that to you?’

He looked hurt at the suggestion this time.

‘No, of course I don’t, but I do know that you aren’t talking to me. Did I do something wrong?’

‘Look, you were right before. It’s this case; it’s getting to me. I’m sorry it’s spilled over into our relationship, but I can’t switch off. I am really trying not to dwell on it, but it’s not letting me. I wish I thought talking things through would help, but I don’t. Just be patient with me for a bit, please. I don’t want you to go. I don’t want to lose you, Imogen,’ he said.

The softness had returned to his voice. The tension left her shoulders as she looked at him – he wasn’t lying or pretending, at least at that moment.

‘You know, that’s the most you’ve said to me in weeks. I just don’t like to think of you going through this alone when you don’t have to.’

‘I know, I’m sorry. I’ll try harder.’

‘You don’t have to try at all, just let me be there for you.’

‘You are. I would have gone crazy without you these last few weeks. I really don’t deserve you.’

He held his hand out to her. She took it and he pulled her towards him, kissing her on the lips, soft and tender, reassuring her that all of her concerns were completely unfounded. Giving her exactly what she wanted.

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Adrian had got four hours’ sleep the previous night with Imogen turning up at three in the morning and making him feel like shit for making her feel like shit.

They lay together on the bed until the sun came up and it was time to get ready for work.

He had some thinking to do. He wasn’t sure he was even fit to be in a relationship and so maybe he did need to let Imogen go, even though the thought killed him; she was more than his lover – she was his best friend, they were a team.