Maximum Dare - Vanessa Fewings Page 0,72
throat tightened as I watched him go.
Nick was watching me. “You really like him, don’t you?”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
“He’s quite protective of you. He made me swear I wouldn’t fuck things up with you again, Daisy. I promised him I’d take good care of you.”
I stared at Nick. “When did you talk with him?”
“After you arrived. You were chatting with Mum. I told him the truth…that for a while there I’d been depressed and not sure if I could go on. Told him the way you fought for me proved how much you love me.”
I did love you…once.
“Are you okay?” he asked. “I know you must be feeling a bit overwhelmed.”
“I don’t want to live with you,” I burst out.
“We can take it slow. I won’t let you down. I promise.”
“I have to go.” I hurried out, turning right and heading toward the front door, assuming Max had gone that way.
Standing on the front steps of the manor, I peered into the darkness, panic piercing my heart when I saw that his car was gone.
I could hear it speeding down the driveway toward the gate.
Clutching the hem of my dress, I kicked off my high heels and bolted after Max, hoping he would look in his rearview mirror and see me…hoping he would stop. I wanted to climb back into his car and go home with him.
The gates swung open and Max’s Tesla sped through them.
Out of breath, my chest tight with dread, I walked back to the house. I retrieved my shoes and slid them on, taking a few seconds to look at that intimidating door I would soon have to walk through, returning to their world alone.
I hated the thought that I would have to rely on Nick to take me home.
I entered the mansion, keeping my head low so I didn’t have to look anyone in the eye.
Gillian met me in the foyer. “Is he gone?”
I nodded, and met her gaze.
She gave me a thin smile. “Max didn’t say goodbye.”
The void he had left behind felt like a black hole, sucking all the oxygen and joy from the world. The cold air wafting in from the open door chilled my bones.
Gillian stepped forward and closed the door. “It’s for the best.”
“You don’t really believe that?”
“Daisy, Nick needs you now more than ever.”
I sighed. “I still care about Nick, but I’ll never stop loving his brother.”
“It’s over.” She gave an elegant shrug. “He’s gone.”
“I need to talk to him.”
“He’ll be fine. Have you seen Brazilian women? They are incomparable.”
“Why would you say such a thing?”
“My youngest son needs you more. Don’t let him down.”
“You’ve always preferred Nick.”
“Max is the strong one. The wise one. The one who can look after himself. Max doesn’t do love. Not even with me.”
“That isn’t true. He adores you.”
“Deep down he hates me for what I did to him.”
“You’re wrong. He’s forgiven you.”
“You have no right to express any opinions about my family.”
“Max and I—”
She gripped my arm. “You’re a passing infatuation. Nothing more.”
“Let go of me.”
Her hand slipped to her side. “Do the right thing.”
“That’s just it, Gillian. Max has done the right thing. Again. He’s put himself last. He’s stepped away so that everyone else can be happy at his expense. When are you going to let him have his happiness?”
“There you are—” She looked down the hallway at Nick, who was coming toward us. “Nick, dear, we were just talking about you.”
“I thought I’d get some fresh air.” He nudged up beside me. “Daisy, want to come with me? We can sit by the pool.” He gave me a mischievous wink. “I promise to hold onto your hand so you don’t fall in.”
“She’d love to.” Gillian’s glare let me know she insisted I go with him.
She had long ago put aside her conflicted emotions and done the wrong thing.
And now she was asking the same from me.
Growing up with a football legend—David Banham, Nick’s dad—you soon learn how obsessed British fans are. They attend every match, whether at home or away, proudly wearing their colors and buying all the team merchandise.
Take Manchester United, for example. Their emblem is a red and yellow crest featuring a devil with a trident. It’s easily distinguishable from the bright colors of Liverpool F.C., which stand out at a game, the blood red shade that marks their passion. The fans wear this coat of arms with pride.
Having popped into a store that sells tourist memorabilia, I’d purchased a nice-looking scarf with Manchester