Bend But Never Break by Cheryl Phipps

Author:Cheryl Phipps
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Cheryl Phipps
Published: 2014-02-26T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

The next morning, Talia sat in her room, holding the phone Nick had given her. She played the video of Chloe over and over again. A few more recent photos had arrived sporadically over the last couple of weeks, but there had been no more videos. Her heart ached with longing.

She needed to focus on what to do next. How had she let everything get away from her? Thinking she could be in control of her emotions around Nick was a huge mistake when he was everything she thought a man should be. His kindness and compassion were not outweighed by his good looks, but at the end of the day, his job would come first. Would it be at Chloe’s expense?

It was time to be more proactive. The plans she and Kirk had put in place had to be followed through with, and she would start by getting a good look at the house next door. She’d use some of her training and swim up to the back gate. She’d go now, before she had to face Nick again. The look on his face when he saw her determination - the disappointment and then maybe a measure of distrust was hard to see. He had every reason to feel all those things. She’d led him on, and by not telling him of her plans, she was lying every single minute she was here.

She would leave as soon as she got back from the beach. It would get harder and harder to stay away from Nick, to remain unaffected, and this both surprised and scared her. The less she had to do with him, the better - for his sake as well as hers. Talia couldn’t bear the thought of her ex-husband having anything to do with Nick. If Randall knew how she felt about the detective, it would be one more arrow. It was the least she could do for all of them, and maybe Nick and Emma would get back together after this was finished. The thought sent a chill through her.

After changing into her bathing suit, Talia slipped out the back door and stole through the bush until she made it to the sand. The water was sparkling in the late morning sun, and looking out to the open sea, she could imagine she was miles from here. Perhaps on another island, safe with Chloe.

Dropping her sarong and towel at the water’s edge, she ran into the surf. It was colder than she had been expecting and she hesitated as the water lapped at her thighs. There was no other way - she would have to dive in. Otherwise, she would chicken out.

It was funny how, when you were a child, there was no hesitation; the water was never too cold. A larger wave came closer, and, steeling herself for the inevitable, Talia timed her dive appropriately. It was colder the deeper she went but remarkably invigorating. She swam strongly for a few yards and then took it slowly as she neared the compound.

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