‘So is that what’s wrong?’
Holly stiffened and turned to look across the bay. Anything rather than meet the sharp look in his eyes. Mark was far too perceptive.
‘Nothing’s wrong—’
‘You’re a lousy liar,’ he said softly, suddenly serious. ‘Holly, you’ve lost weight and you’ve got dark circles under your eyes. And don’t turn your back on me.’
She hesitated and then turned to face him, her expression haunted. ‘It isn’t anything—’
‘Holly!’ his voice was a threatening growl and she gave a wry smile that cost her a great deal in terms of effort.
‘Well, let’s just say it isn’t anything you can do anything about.’ She coloured slightly under his intense scrutiny. She didn’t feel ready to tell him yet.
‘Is it work or a man?’ His tone was blunt.
‘Mark, it really doesn’t matter—’
‘Work or a man?’ he persisted, and she sighed in exasperation.
‘You don’t ever give up, do you?’
‘No.’ His gaze was steady. ‘So now you’ve remembered that, perhaps you’ll answer my question. Work or a man? Surely it wasn’t—what was his name? Simon. Are you still seeing Simon?’
‘No.’ Holly shook her head, securing strands of blonde hair behind her ear. ‘No, I’m not.’
‘Good thing, too,’ Mark growled, dark eyes narrowed. ‘He wasn’t right for you. His eyes were too close together.’
‘So were his affairs.’ Holly’s voice was quiet and Mark stared at her.
‘He had affairs? While he was with you?’ His jaw tightened and his expression was ominious. ‘Give me his address—’
‘Mark, no,’ Holly interrupted him hastily, knowing that Mark was more than capable of tracking down Simon and defending her rather too vigorously. ‘I don’t need you to intervene—but thanks for the thought.’
Mark’s anger was still evident. ‘Were you in love with him?’ His voice was sharp. ‘Is that why you’ve got the shadows under your eyes? Did he hurt you?’
Holly shook her head and gave him a wan smile. ‘No, I wasn’t in love with him. And, no, he didn’t hurt me—not really, so you can dismount from your white charger.’
Mark watched her for a long moment, his eyes intent on hers. ‘OK,’ he said finally, a frown touching his brows, ‘but if he isn’t responsible for your drawn appearance, who is?’
‘No one!’ Holly wrapped her arms round her waist and paced over to the far side of the deck. ‘It was nothing like that. Drop it, Mark. Please.’
She heard the ch
air scrape on the decking and the sound of his footsteps behind her, then strong hands curled over her shoulders.
‘Which means it must have been work.’
‘Please, Mark.’ Her voice was barely a whisper and her eyes were closed. ‘I really can’t face thinking about it.’
He swore softly and she felt his hands tighten protectively on her shoulders.
‘You know I’m always ready to slay your dragon,’ he said gruffly. ‘You only have to say the word.’
The memories came crashing down on her like the waves on the rocks below and she took a deep breath.
‘Can we change the subject?’
‘OK,’ he said finally, his voice soft, ‘on the condition that you put that weight back on and lose the shadows round your eyes. And on the condition that you remember that I’m here for you whenever you need a friend. We’ve never had any secrets from each other. Don’t forget that, Holly.’