Hot Revenge Box Set 2

Chapter 32

The Gang picks up my mood, milling around. Archie bounces about, yapping excitedly until Meg snaps at him and he sheers off. Then as the four play at rough-and-tumble under the table, Scruffy joins them and I snap. “Quiet! All of you!”

The dogs subside and assemble under the desk, panting. Ryan stares at me. “Kirstie?”

I shouldn’t have done that.

They’re only enjoying themselves…

Too much wine...

That’s what I tell myself anyway. “I’ll be back in a while. I’m taking the dogs out.”

He starts to rise from the chair. “I’ll keep you company.”

I shake my head. “No, it’s alright.” He stares after me as I exit the study.

Wrapping a thick scarf around my neck and tugging mittens onto hands, I call the dogs and once more they bounce jubilantly after me as I head outdoors.

I gasp at the frigid wall of air as I open the door. The Gang don’t seem to notice, tumbling out into the snow as I carefully pull the door closed behind me.

The icy air and brilliant sunshine are an instant antidote to my ill mood. Around me lies a vast sparkling snowscape, covering grass and shrub and tree, rolling down the mountain to where even the lake lies as a single glistening sheet.

What do I have to be miserable about?

Really?

I pace up and down in the snow, watching the dogs playing, racing around in silly circles, barking joyously.

What’s wrong with me?

Just nerves?

Self-analysis isn’t easy. Sometimes one must face unpleasant truths.

Is it just nerves?

Just anxiety about the biggest purchase I’m ever likely to make?

Or is it more?

Ryan…

I was single for years. Happily so.

And then Ryan appeared in my life.

I love you.

to

the snow, his paws a blur as he excavates a hole,

can’t I catch that mood from

at the back of my neck

I’m being watched…

…

Don’t be ridiculous…

Cautiously, I scan around.

said Baxter is

Is he watching us?

the freakingly fucking obvious strikes

why Klempner’s still

of my vision

is Charlotte’s father. His face impassive, Klempner stands at the back of the terrace, leaning against the wall, cradling

feel a complete idiot. “Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to disturb

“You're not disturbing

a bit…” I wave my hands

My what?

I don’t know.

me for a moment

for me to keep speaking.

his lips.

me that perhaps there’s a reason I’m not the only one outside in

out here by

“Are you alright?”

that…” He waves back in towards the house… “… stuff just came out of movies. Holly and trees and mulled wine…

tell the truth, I find

important to Charlotte, certainly. I don't think she's had very many

his mug. “No, she

solitary, silent man,

he seems

someone to talk

who’s not

“What happened?” I ask.

for

I meant. I meant, what happened to you? I mean, you’re Lawrence Klempner…” His lips quirk… “… And yet here you are helping to decorate

realise both the gross ill-manners of my question and the

so I finish… “…like

mild, tinged with amusement. “What you expected? Yes, in fact I do only have the

My cheeks burn…

did mention that you're apt

Oh… Jeez…

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255