The Villa by Ruth Kelly

Author:Ruth Kelly [Kelly, Ruth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pan Books
Published: 2023-03-20T17:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

THE CONTESTANT

Aruna, Balearic Islands

DAY THREE, THE VILLA

We were a power couple. That’s how it felt as we held hands and walked in step.

I could sense their heads snap around as we returned to the villa. I could feel their eyes following us, but I didn’t give a shit. I was with Matt. He wanted me back and that’s all that mattered. I gave him a squeeze and he looked at me. There was a fresh intensity to his gaze. Feeling loved by Matt was what gave me confidence. I was nothing without it.

Cameron and Adam were sweating it out in the gym zone. Cameron was on his back, groaning under the strain of a barbell as he pressed it above his head. Adam was watching his biceps intently as he pumped the free weights.

Annie was first to say something. ‘You’re back. Hurrah!’ she cried with false excitement.

There was a clang and thud as Cameron dropped the weight. Adam wiped himself down. The towel was slung over his shoulder as he strutted over.

Becky won the sprint to my side. My new best friend. Breathless and excited, she grabbed my arm, tugging me from Matt.

‘OK, you need to tell me everything. I want all the deets.’

‘Not before she tells me,’ Annie came between us.

I flashed Matt a ‘save me’ look.

‘So, did you do it?’

Protectively, Matt took my hand back. Matt, my saviour. Sometimes it takes a little longer for things to fall into place. Be patient. That’s the lesson The Villa has taught me. I looked back at the girls confidently. You can’t hurt me now.

‘Oh, don’t be such a bore. We’re dying to know,’ said Annie. ‘Foreplay? A fumble under the sheets? A little slap and tickle?’

‘First base? Second base?’ Adam joined in. ‘Come on, mate, we’re bored. Entertain us.’

A voice boomed from the other side of the pool. ‘No secrets in The Villa,’ Blake shouted. ‘Spill!’

Annie smiled knowingly. ‘I think it was much more than second base. My guess is our star reporter went all the way.’

She watched me closely for a reaction. I kept my gaze fixed ahead. Avoiding everyone’s eyes. This was our secret. Nobody would ever know.

‘As she was quick to spread her legs with old Cam, there’s no chance she would deny her ex.’

I could feel Matt bristle.

‘No chance of Matt putting in a performance like mine.’ Cameron couldn’t resist.

Matt’s grip on me loosened. For a moment I thought he was going to swing around and punch Cameron. And part of me hoped he would.

Instead, Matt pointed his finger at Cameron’s face and hissed, ‘Why don’t you piss off.’ Each word pronounced. I’d never seen him like that before.

‘Ooooh, hit a nerve, have I?’ Cameron sniggered.

‘Leave it,’ I whispered.

I could feel Matt straining under my grip.

‘He wants you to start a fight. Be the better person.’

‘Ha, thought so,’ Cameron laughed. ‘Knew you didn’t have it in you.’

I squeezed Matt tightly. I’d have to explain everything to him, but later.

Where was Angela? I cast around the garden.

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