Just as she approached, the door swung open, and Lauren greeted her with a smile.

  ‘Right on time,’ Lauren said, sounding impressed.

  ‘I aim to please.’ Rain grinned.

  Lauren moved aside to let her in, and Rain’s jaw nearly hit the floor. The suite was unbelievable – spacious and opulent, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of London’s skyline.

  Lauren closed the door and led Rain over to a sleek black marble bar. She pulled a bottle of champagne from an ice bucket and poured two glasses, handing one to Rain.

  Rain took a sip, savouring the way the bubbles tickled her tongue. ‘Mm, very nice.’

  Lauren nodded in agreement as Rain looked around the room, taking it all in.

  ‘Gotta say, though, it’s a little cramped in here, don’t you think?’

  Lauren laughed. ‘Totally. I’m thinking of asking for an upgrade.’

  ‘Don’t blame you,’ Rain said, playing along. For a second, she wondered if Fay had ever cleaned the very room she was now standing in. ‘But saying that, I think I’d keep it for the view alone.’

  ‘Well, in that case, I’ll hang onto it,’ Lauren said with a wink.

  Rain sipped her champagne as she wandered around the room, admiring the artwork that probably cost more than she made in a year.

  ‘Wow, your company must really value you to put you up in a place like this,’ she remarked.

  ‘What can I say? I’m their star employee,’ Lauren said playfully.

  Rain raised an eyebrow. ‘Oh yeah? Maybe I should put in an application.’

  Lauren smiled and sat down on the plush sofa, patting the spot next to her. ‘Why don’t you come over here and sit with me?’

  As Rain settled in beside her, she could feel the electric chemistry sparking between them.

  I have a feeling this could be the start of something special.

  Chapter Three

  The phone rang once, twice, three times before the all-too-familiar voicemail message played in his ear. ‘This is Fay. Leave a message.’

  He slammed his fist against the hotel room desk, his knuckles turning white from the force. He’d been calling her for days, but each time, the result was the same. Her phone was switched off, and she was nowhere to be found.

  He paced the room like a caged animal, his mind racing with possibilities. Where could she have gone? His jaw clenched as a darker thought crept into his mind. What if she talked? What if she revealed what he’d done? It would be the end of everything. And that was a risk he simply couldn’t afford to take.

  He grabbed his coat and keys, storming out of the room with a determination that bordered on obsession. He strode through the hotel lobby, his eyes darting around, looking for any sign of her. Denise, the hotel receptionist, waved as she called out to him, a look of concern in her eyes.

  ‘Hey, everything okay?’

  He forced a smile. ‘Yeah, everything’s fine. Just a lot to do. I’ll be back soon.’

  He had to find Fay, no matter what it took. He’d search every street, every building, every corner of this city. And when he did, he’d make sure she was no longer a threat to him. He wouldn’t let a cheap slut ruin him.

  Not now. Not ever.

  Chapter Four

  As Rain settled back onto the sofa, looking completely at ease, Lauren found herself marvelling at the fact that she was actually here in person. When she’d texted Rain earlier, inviting her over hadn’t been part of the plan. But the desire to see her again, alone, had been too strong to ignore. Lauren had thrown caution to the wind and followed her heart. So far, she had no regrets.

  ‘So, I don’t think you actually told me who you work for,’ Rain said, taking a sip of Champagne.

  Lauren immediately felt a sense of unease. Her family name carried a lot of weight, and with Rain’s curious gaze fixed on her, she suddenly felt exposed.

  ‘You’re right, I didn’t.’

  Rain’s eyes sparkled with mischief. ‘Ooh, so mysterious. You’re not, like, a spy or something, are you?’

  Lauren couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Trust me, if I was, I’d be terrible at it.’

  ‘Well, come on, spill! What kind of company puts you up in a place like this? I bet the bathroom’s bigger than my whole Airbnb.’

  Lauren poured them each another drink, feeling herself start to relax. ‘I work in hospitality, actually.’

  ‘Oh, really?’

  ‘Yes. In fact . . . this hotel’s been in my family for generations.’

  Rain choked on her Champagne, sputtering and spraying it all over herself.

  ‘Oh my god, I’m so sorry!’ Rain said, her cheeks crimson as she looked down at the mess. ‘I’m such an idiot sometimes.’

  Lauren smiled as she stood up. ‘Don’t even worry about it, it’s totally fine.’

  She grabbed a towel from the bathroom and hurried back to Rain, gently blotting at the damp fabric clinging to her toned thighs. Lauren’s mind started to wander to places that made her stomach knot.

  ‘Thanks,’ Rain said sheepishly. ‘I’m just glad I didn’t get any on the sofa.’

  ‘It wouldn’t have been a big deal if you did.’

  Rain let out a low whistle. ‘Wow. I can’t believe your family owns this place. The Deville’s are kind of a big deal.’

  Lauren’s heart sank as she noticed a shift in Rain’s demeanour. It was like a switch had been flipped. She’d seen it a million times before – as soon as people found out who she was, they started treating her differently. It never stopped stinging.

  Why did I tell her that? Lauren chided herself. I should’ve just met her at a pub or something, got to know her better first.

  Though she felt a pang of regret, she tried to play it cool. ‘I just remembered, I need to make a quick phone call. Feel free to pour yourself another drink.’

  She slipped into the next room, needing a moment to regroup. What had she been thinking, inviting Rain here? Her life was already a tangled mess. The last thing she needed was more complications.

  Part of her wished she could take back that impulsive text. Lauren stood by the window and stared out aimlessly.

  How am I going to get her to leave?

  A soft knock at the door startled her out of her thoughts.

  ‘Just a second!’ Lauren called out, crossing the room to the door. She hesitated, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath before turning the knob.

  ‘Hey, is everything okay?’ Rain asked, her forehead creased with concern.

  ‘Yeah, it’s just . . .’ her voice faltered as Rain reached out, placing her hand on Lauren’s shoulder. The tender touch sent a frisson of energy rippling through her body.

  ‘Listen,’ Rain said softly, holding Lauren’s gaze. ‘I’m sorry if I got a little weird when you told me who you were. It’s just that . . . I actually interviewed here today.’

  Lauren blinked in surprise. ‘You did?’

  ‘Yeah, for a cleaner’s job.’ Rain laughed. ‘I don’t think I got it though. I was too busy thinking about you.’

  Lauren’s mind was blown. ‘I . . . I don’t know what to say . . .’

  Rain leaned in closer, their lips almost touching. ‘You don’t have to say anything.’

  A rush of adrenaline surged through her. Although she had often fantasised about women in the past, she never expected to be in a position to do anything about it.

  Her brain was doing somersaults, full of questions and doubts, but they all seemed to fade away the moment Rain’s mouth brushed against her lips. She knew, in that moment, that she wanted this. Wanted Rain. More than she’d ever wanted anything.

  Still, Lauren hesitated, torn between desire and fear. She searched Rain’s eyes, looking for answers, for reassurance. What she found was a reflection of her own longing, her own uncertainty.

  ‘Is this crazy?’ Lauren whispered, her voice was barely audible over the pounding of her heart. ‘We just met. I’ve never . . . with a woman . . .’

  Rain’s hand came up to cradle Lauren’s cheek, her touch infinitely gentle. ‘I know. It’s okay to feel nervous. We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.’

  There was no point in trying to deny it. Lauren was being pulled to Rain like a magnet.

  ‘Kiss me,’ Lauren suddenly heard herself say, throwing caution to the wind. ‘Please.’

  And then Rain’s lips were on hers, soft, warm and perfect. Lauren gasped at the contact, her eyes fluttering closed. The sensation was unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. Electric. Overwhelming. Right.

  Lauren’s hands came up to tangle in Rain’s hair, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. Her mind quieted. All her doubts and fears melted away until there was nothing but this moment, this feeling, this woman.

  The shrill ring of Lauren’s phone shattered the moment. They broke apart, breathless, eyes locked. Lauren felt like she was seeing Rain for the first time, all the pent-up emotions laid bare between them.

  The phone kept ringing.

  They stood there, chests heaving, lost in each other.

  ‘Don’t answer it,’ Rain said, leaning in again.

  The phone stopped, only to start up again a second later, insistent and urgent.

  Lauren knew she couldn’t ignore it, no matter how much she wanted to stay lost in this perfect bubble with Rain.

  Lauren slowly reached into her pocket and took out her phone.

  ‘Hello?’ Her voice sounded shaky to her own ears.

  ‘I’m just parking the car. Can you order us some food please,’ the voice on the other end said.

  Lauren’s stomach dropped. She glanced at the time, realising she’d completely lost track of it.

  ‘Sure,’ she replied cheerfully, masking her true feelings.

  She disconnected the call and turned her attention back to Rain. ‘You need to go. Now.’

  Rain frowned, confusion clouding her eyes. ‘Why? What’s going on?’

  ‘I promise, I’ll explain later.’ Lauren gently steered her towards the front door. ‘Take the stairs, okay?’

  Rain looked like she wanted to argue, but she didn’t. Instead, she walked out, and Lauren watched her hurry down the corridor until she disappeared from view. Lauren closed the door and sagged against it, pulse pounding.

  That was way too close.

  Seconds later, she heard muffled voices outside. Lauren plastered a bright smile on her face and opened the door just as a small boy threw his arms around her waist.

  ‘Mummy!’ he cried. ‘The museum was so cool!’

  ‘I thought we’d never get out of there,’ Jake grumbled.

  Lauren’s smile faltered as she met her husband’s eyes. Guilt twisted like a knife in her gut.

  Things were about to get a lot more complicated. But she knew, deep down, that she had no choice but to face whatever came next head-on . . . no matter what the fallout might be.

  Chapter Five

  Rain gripped the armrest tightly as the train swayed and rattled through the dark tunnels. She was still struggling to process the events of the afternoon – the shocking revelation that Lauren’s family owned The Mayfair Heritage Hotel, the abrupt way Lauren had asked her to leave. It left Rain feeling unbalanced, unsure of where she stood or what it all meant.

  Why the hot and cold act? She stared blankly at the worn posters on the wall of the carriage. One minute she’s kissing me like her life depends on it, the next she’s practically shoving me out the door.

  Rain shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. There was no use obsessing over Lauren’s behaviour. She had more important things to focus on – like finding her sister.

  God, Fay, you better not have run off with another ‘soulmate’. Rain clenched her jaw. If that’s why you’ve gone radio silent, I swear . . .

  The train lurched to a stop at King’s Cross, and Rain gathered her things, stepping out onto the crowded platform. She felt small and lost in the sea of rushing bodies, just another anonymous face in a big city.

  Following the map on her phone, Rain made her way to the address her mum had given her for Fay’s place. When she arrived at the building, she was shocked to find it was a dilapidated hostel with peeling paint and shattered windows, situated on a narrow road across from a canal. Rain paused for a moment, steeling herself for what lay ahead, before she walked inside.

  Even with the door ajar, the air inside was thick with the smell of mildew and stale cigarettes. Rain could hear the muffled sounds of TVs and voices from the rooms above.

  The building manager, an unkempt man with dishevelled hair and a worn-out jumper, glanced up from the makeshift reception desk as she entered, his expression wary.

  ‘What’d you want?’ he said.

  ‘I’m looking for my sister,’ Rain replied.

  The man’s eyes narrowed, scrutinising her carefully.

  ‘Name?’ he gruffly demanded.

  ‘Fay Thomas.’

  ‘She ain’t in.’

  ‘Has she been around today?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Yesterday?’

  ‘Dunno.’

  Rain bit back her frustration in response to his nonchalant attitude. If she was going to get any answers from him, she was going to have to keep her cool.

  ‘Look, we haven’t heard from Fay in a week. My mum normally talks to her every day, so you can imagine how worried she is. Can I take a peek in Fay’s room, make sure everything’s okay?’ Rain gave her most charming smile as she fished for his name. ‘Um . . .?’

  ‘Billy.’

  ‘Billy. You know what mothers are like. She’s doing my head in.’

  Something she said must have resonated with him. After a few moments, Billy sighed and stood up.

  ‘Come on, then.’

  He led Rain up a flight of creaky stairs to a small room at the end of the hallway and walked inside. Rain hovered in the corridor. She wasn’t about to make herself vulnerable to being trapped. As if sensing her trepidation, Billy moved further in and stood by the window. Only then did Rain take a cautious step inside, her eyes darting around to take in every detail.

  The room was chaotic. Fay’s personal belongings were scattered everywhere – clothing strewn across the bed, toiletries lining the windowsill, and her treasured designer shoes piled in the corner.

  Nothing seemed unusual about the mess. Fay wasn’t exactly known for being the tidiest of people when it came to housekeeping.

  But what caught Rain’s eye were the porcelain figurines and a photo frame on the bedside cabinet which held a picture of Rain and Fay as kids, taken on a sunny day in the park. She remembered it vividly as it was the start of the school summer holidays.

  Happier times.

  Tears pricked at the back of Rain’s eyes as she picked up the photo, tracing her finger over Fay’s face. I didn’t even know she’d kept it.

  ‘Do you remember the last time you saw her?’ Rain asked, turning to Billy.

  Billy’s gaze flickered as he shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. ‘No.’

  ‘Has anyone been round here looking for her lately?’

  Billy shook his head.

  ‘You would tell me if you knew anything, wouldn’t you?’ Rain pressed.

  He dropped his gaze to the ground.

  ‘Billy,’ Rain said softly, ‘you would tell me if you knew anything, wouldn’t you? I mean, you wouldn’t want to think of our mum sitting all alone being upset, would you?’

  Billy turned away, shoulders hunched. Rain could practically feel the conflict radiating off him. He knew something, she was sure of it, but pushing harder would only make him shut down.

  ‘Okay,’ she said, relenting.

  She grabbed a scrap of paper from the dressing table, scribbling down her number. As she went to put it down, a small diary caught her eye, peeking out from a half-open drawer. Rain hesitated for a split second before snatching it up and slipping it into her bag. Fay had always been one to pour her heart out on the page. If there were clues to be found, they’d be in there.

  ‘I’m leaving my number here. If Fay comes back, or if anyone starts nosing around . . . call me. Please.’

  He looked over his shoulder and glanced down at the number for a second before giving a curt nod. Rain breathed a sigh of relief.

  ‘Thank you, Billy. Really.’

  With one last look around the depressing little room, Rain headed outside, eager to escape the oppressive air of the hostel.

  She walked briskly as she made her way back to the station, a tight knot in her stomach. Something wasn’t right. Fay might be impulsive, but she’d never leave behind her most treasured possessions. The porcelain figurines their grandma had given her before she passed – Fay cherished those. Rain had been tempted to take them for safekeeping but had decided against it. If Fay did come back, she’d be angry to find them gone.

  Stopping at a café, she ordered a coffee and found a seat. Taking out Fay’s diary, she began to read.

  Ugh, today’s been another rollercoaster of emotions. It’s like I’m stuck in this crazy loop of highs and lows, and I can’t seem to break free.

  I saw him again today, you know, at our usual spot in the hotel. The way he looks at me, it’s like I’m the only one in the world. And those whispered promises? They’re like music to my ears, even though deep down I know they’re just empty words.

  He keeps saying he’s gonna leave her, that we’ll finally be together without any drama, but let’s be real, how many times have I heard that before? Too many, that’s for sure.

  Part of me knows I should just walk away, cut ties and move on. But then there’s this other part that’s totally hooked on the rush he gives me – like, I feel alive when I’m with him. And that’s what makes it so hard to let go.

  I wish I had the guts to say enough is enough, but for now, I’m stuck in this crazy cycle, holding onto hope that maybe, just maybe, one day he’ll actually keep his word and we can be together for real. Until then, I guess I’ll just keep waiting and hoping for the best.

  As Rain read through the rest of the diary, she was dismayed to see there weren’t any dates, or more importantly, names. Just page after page of lovesick ramblings and anguished indecision. But it was something. A clue, a place to start. If this mystery man’s wife had found out about the affair . . . or worse, if he’d done something to Fay . . .