Page 137 of Fighting Mr. Knight

A nerve throbs in his forehead. I recognise it now. It’s the only giveaway when Jack doesn’t feel in control. When my beautiful boyfriend feels vulnerable.

He clears his throat. “You left without telling me. You know I might not have much experience with relationships but I’m pretty sure that’s not what you do.”

I take a breath. “I’m sorry.”

“Where did you go, Bonnie?”

“Dad was ill.” The lies are stacking up. “I was worried it was something worse but he’s fine.”

A deep line forms between his brows as the wheels turn in his head. “You went to your dad’s house at that time of night? I would have taken you.”

“I didn’t want to ruin your evening.”

“If you think I’d prefer to drink in a bar surrounded by bankers and tossers than spend it with you, then you don’t know me well enough.”

My chin quivers. I do not deserve this man.

“I was worried sick, and your text messages were so damn vague.” His jaw tightens then he sighs. “Look, it’s fine. Is your dad okay?” He looks at me concerned. “What’s wrong with him? I can go over with you today.”

“He’s fine,” I say quickly, the thought of Jack coming into contact with Dad . . . “It was just a stomach bug.”

He nods but stares at me, not convinced.

I’m a terrible liar.

And an even worse girlfriend.

His expression softens. “Well? Are you going to let me in?”

“Uh, yeah, of course.” I open the door wider and he follows me up the stairs.

“There’s shampoo dripping down your face.”

“Do you mind if I wash it out? There’s fresh coffee in the percolator. I’ll be ten minutes.”

“Bonnie, wait.” He grabs my arm, and my breath catches in my throat as his gaze remains fixed on me with an unspoken question.

He knows.

“Yes, Jack?”

“Where’s my kiss?”

I force a smile, laughing shakily. “Sorry.”

He grabs me around the waist and pulls me close, but he doesn’t press his lips against mine.Open up to me, Bonnie,his dark eyes beg for a long beat.

I break the gaze by closing my eyes and pressing my lips to his.

His mouth is warm and comforting. Sweet but intense all at the same time. I feel his longing deep in the kiss. He needs me and I’m hurting him.

Shampoo tickles my cheek. I use the excuse to dash to the bathroom. I can’t continue like this.

The worst thing is that I can’t talk to anyone. Telling Kate or Nisha would put them in an unreasonable situation. Also, Kate’s just back from her honeymoon so it wouldn’t be fair.

And the one person who is calm and strong enough to help me will hate my guts when he finds out.

I close my eyes and stand still under the rainfall shower as the cold water runs down my body. It used to be a dribble, but Jack worked his magic and now it’s passable as a shower.

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