Free Lovelink by Tess Niland Kimber Page A

nodded and handed him her front door key.
    â€œWho did this?” Marcus said, taking the wreath off the door and looking at it with disgust. “Kids, I suppose.”
    Vicky was reminded of the locksmith’s words only a few days earlier.
    â€œNo, I…I don’t think so.”
    He turned to look quizzically at her but didn’t ask her anything further.
    Once inside the cottage, he switched on the lights and sat her in the armchair. Although it was summer, Vicky always kept the makings of a fire, laid in the grate, in case it was needed. Marcus bent down and lit it.
    If only she could stop shaking she was sure she’d feel better.
    â€œThis is sick,” he said, standing on the hearth rug with feet astride and arms firmly crossed. “Who’d send you a wreath with Lovelink, RIP, on it?”
    Vicky didn’t answer him, instead she just hugged her arms around her knees and rocked. She felt dazed and very frightened. He seemed to accept her silence and didn’t push her any further. He left her then, quietly busying himself in the kitchen. A few moments later, he was beside her again, offering her a steaming cup of coffee.
    â€œHere, drink this. It’ll make you feel better.”
    He sat on the arm of the chair, cradling her against him. She started to drink the coffee, grimacing when she realised that he’d found her brandy and amply laced the hot drink with it.
    â€œGo on, drink it. It’ll do you good. You’ve had a nasty shock.”
    Yet again he’d taken control of the situation and was telling her what to do. For once, she was glad to obey him.
    However, she found she was still trembling so much she couldn’t hold the cup without the risk of spilling the liquid.
    â€œHere, let me,” he said and took the cup from her. He held it, tipping it so that she could take sips of the hot drink. “Better?”
    She nodded.
    She sat, held in his arms for a long time. Eventually the shivering subsided and she felt slightly stronger. Sensing she might be ready to talk he said, “Right, what’s all this about? I think it’s time you told me.”
    It was the one question she’d been dreading he’d ask.
    â€œI…I don’t know. Kids, I guess. Like you said.” She didn’t dare look at him, in case he could see she wasn’t telling the truth.
    He placed his hand under her chin and gently tilted her face so that she had no option but to look up at him. She saw the concern in his blue eyes.
    â€œNo, I’m sorry, Vicky, I don’t believe that. I was wrong to suggest it. Think about it. Children wouldn’t go to all the trouble and expense of nailing a personalised wreath to your door. And I don’t believe it’s the act of a disgruntled customer, either. It was someone who knew the effect it would have on you. Someone who knew you’d gone out for the evening, the very first time since coming to Brookleigh. No, this is the work of someone who’s planned every move.”
    Tears started afresh and once more he held her tightly against him. She could feel his strength, his power and it gave her comfort. It was as if he could protect her against the world and all it threw at her.
    â€œLook, Vicky, I know something’s wrong and I wish you’d realise I’m a friend of yours and I care what happens to you. So trust me and tell me what’s going on. From your reaction, I’d suspect there’s more to this. It’s not an isolated incident now, is it?”
    Mutely, through a haze of tears, she shook her head.
    â€œPlease, let me help you,” he said, tenderly wiping her wet cheeks dry with his handkerchief as he tried to coax her once more to tell him.
    As she looked at him, no longer austere and cold, she knew it would be so easy to confide in him. Perhaps he’d be able to help her. Sort it out. Make sense of the terrible mess she was in.
    For a moment, she teetered on the