Page 98 of All the Forbidden Things

“Their affair dates back to before she and Max were even married, the entirety of their relationship in fact.”

“Like I said, they’ve got history from way back before she was ever with Max, and if the rumours are true, which it’s now sounding like they are, even since she’s been married.”

“I did not know this,” I admit, my heart aching at the thought of Max being cheated on.

“So, is the kid his?”

“Will you hush and let me talk?” He flicks his wrist at me flamboyantly, and I once again roll my eyes before continuing, “Whitney had left Max the day before the accident. Despite telling him Layla might not be his, she left her with Max, which, in hindsight, is about theonlygood thing she’s done for that little girl.”

“Holy fucking hell.”

“Yep.”

We both sip at our fresh drinks.

“I’m not gonna be able to walk if I finish both of these,” I declare.

“I’ll carry you, keep talking.”

I nudge him with my shoulder. “Listen, I’m telling you this as my friend Dan. I’m trusting that this will go no further. No matter what comes out over the next few weeks or months, you’ll say nothing.”

“Baby girl.” His brows rise, and he tilts his chin down, looking up at me through his lashes in a way that makes me feel reprimanded.

“He got a rush paternity test done as soon as she left him. The baby’s his. He’s divorcing her and petitioning for full custody of Layla.”

“And that’s where you come in . . .”

“And that’s where I come in, and it’s been great. Fantastic. I love that little girl already, and as for her dad”—I shrug—“It’s not even been a week, but the chemistry between us crackles, Dan. It’s so powerful I’m sure that everyone around us must receive little shocks, and nothing’s even happened.”

“So why’s she back? Federov, why’s she there?”

“She’s broke, her legs still don’t work, and she has no money, so both physically and financially, she’s broke.”

“What? How? She’s one of the world’s highest-paid models.”

“Gardener had a drug problem; Whitney also likes to dabble. They were both high when the crash happened.”

“Fucking hell.”

“Max is just worried about the way he’ll be portrayed to the public if he doesn’t at least put on a show of trying to help out his wife in her time of need. His team will be putting out a statement after he serves her next month sometime.”

“This story is gonnagooff.”

“I think Max is hoping that, because he’s offered to help her out financially, she’ll go away quietly without contesting the divorce or the custody.”

“Wow! Things are gonna get a little crazy town around you, baby girl. You ready for that?”

“We’re all going down to the New Forest to stay with Jay and Marnie for a while. Hopefully, the press won’t find us. I’m not sure of the exact plans, just that they have to be married for a year under UK law before you can file, their anniversary is next month. So, Max will come back to London, serve her with divorce papers, sort out the fine print, and then, I don’t actually know. I’m assuming he’ll hide out till things calm down.”

I finish my drink, and when I put my glass down, Dan leans in and takes hold of my chin, turning my face to meet his. “Fuck, Billie, I’ll defend you to the death, you know that. But things are gonna get nasty if you go there with him.”

I throw myself back against the bench, fold my arms across my chest, and let out a long slow breath. “I knowthat, but right now, I don’t even know myself what’s going on or what’s gonna happen. I thought something was happening but, then, yesterday, he spent the day withher, and the night for all I know.”

“It doesn’t sound like he knows what he wants. Please be careful. He’s a lot older and more experienced than you, Billie. I’d fucking hate for you to come away from all this with your reputationandyour heart in tatters.”

I pick up my next drink and take a large gulp.

“For someone who leads such a quiet life, you sure do attract the drama.”