Page 120 of Tears of Glass

“Especially not him, he’s dastardly.”

I snort and take a sip of my drink. It warms and burns in the most delicious way as it slips down. “Really?”

“Oh, okay. He’s a fine chap, but Mother has him tied into knots. This bid for freedom he has going on with you. It’s going to be hard.”

“So, question.” The whisky is warming my insides and loosening my tongue. “Did you decide to be gay to duck out of family responsibilities?”

“Ha!” He shakes his head and stares at his salad before deciding his vodka martini is more appealing. “No. And I’ve paid the price for that.”

“But you and Gerard?” I lean forward a little.

“It was nothing, and he’s as straight as a goddam ruler. You should know. I get the impression you know what goes on under that ginger beard and cool professor exterior.”

I flush, and he howls with laughter, making everyone in the restaurant turn to look at us.

“That’s got to bite Elijah’s arse.”

“It’s the past. I can’t help the past.”

Peter’s finger gets closer to my nose this time as he wags it. “Second mistake. There is no past with the Faircloughs. Nothing is forgotten, every score is set in stone forever.”

I slump a little in my chair. “They are never going to accept me, are they? They are going to humour me in the hope that Eli gets bored and gives me up.”

Peter narrows his pale blue eyes. “Normally I would say yes. But,” he pauses for a moment, “Mother has been shaken by Tabitha leaving. Connie wants control back, and truthfully, I think they are going to try to heal old wounds.

“Really?” I knock back the rest of my drink. I need it. My Club sandwich and fries remain untouched on the plate. “I can’t believe that for one moment; call me a cynical bitch.”

He shrugs. “Take it while it’s there, Faith. I like you, and I know Eli is a total territorial twat over you. I can’t wait to see what happens.”

“Territorial twat? I don’t think those are the words I would use.”

“Don’t you know.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I’m his spy.”

“His spy?”

“Yes, when you were at Bowsley, and he left after mother banished him like the naughty schoolboy he is, he asked me to watch you, to check you were okay.”

I almost choke on the ice cube I’m sucking in my mouth. “It was you who made sure I was fed regularly?”

“Well.” He sighs and smiles, sardonic but softening. “We can’t have all that beautiful ink sagging over wasted flesh.”

“I am not sagging.” I glance down at my arms though, just to make sure.

He chuckles and waves at the waiter. “Another drink, Faith?”

“I should get to college.”

“For God’s sake don’t be such a bore. Let’s get fuck drunk and then prank call Eli.”

I nod and sit back in my chair. Peter is nothing like I thought, nothing like the aloof reserved arsehole I first met. And it’s all because he’s not near the Faircloughs. So maybe this is the way to survive them. Play nice when necessity calls for it and then Eli and I can live our lives away from them the rest of the time. A fine balance between them and us. And me, I will leave my past far behind in a bid to stay with Eli and give him everything I have.

Chapter Thirty-One

“We don’t have to go. We could stay here and spoon instead?” Eli’s arms tighten around my middle, tucking me tight into his body. My skin tingles as the cool air of the bedroom settles against my heated body.

Wriggling my foot back and threading it between his naked legs, I try to tie us together like a pretzel. “Have you enjoyed your birthday so far?” I turn my face a little, so I can see him as he rests his chin on my shoulder. His hands skim along my stomach, tracing lazy patterns that keep my body alive and filled with anticipation.

“Mm, it’s been perfect.”