Chapter 13

Elena drew aside the curtains at the window, and she filled the electric kettle under the tap before she plugged it on the wall and switched it on. She was functioning automatically, taking down two cups and saucers out of the wall cupboard and spooning Instant coffee into them. Her thoughts were in a turmoil, and her feelings were in an equally chaotic state. She clenched her hands where they rested on the cupboard, and she clamped her jaw so tightly that the muscles of her cheeks ached.

Stephan was free to live his life as he wished, and so was she! What did it matter to her that he and Aura were lovers?

Her nerves jarred violently at the sound of a step behind her, and she took a moment to control her features before she turned to find Stephan observing her from no more than a pace away. There was a gleam of mockery in his eyes, and it sent an embarrassing warmth rushing into her cheeks.

‘Have I shocked your puritanical little mind?’ He demanded, the deep timbre of his voice ringi