"Ready?" Evan laughed as I nodded, bounding over to the beach like an excited puppy. The minute my toes sank into the soft powdery sand, I let out a moan of happiness. The grains were so fine. It felt like I was walking on a soft carpet. The warmth on my skin and under my feet made me giddy, and I realised it was paradise.
"I can't believe my first holiday abroad is to Barbados, seriously," I whispered as we sank onto two sunbeds that were perched in the crystal-clear shallow water. A hotel staff member appeared immediately, taking our beach bag, and swiftly hanging it under the large umbrella. He gave us a broad smile before asking if we wanted anything to eat or drink.
"You'll bring it here? To us?" I gasped as Evan smiled at my disbelief.
"It's an all-inclusive luxury, Jain. They will bring you anything you want."
"Right, well, in that case, can I get a glass of champagne?" I asked boldly, noting the twinkle in Evans' eyes.
"We will have the bottle, please," Evan said simply as the man nodded and disappeared.
"I think I'm in love with your brother." I groaned with happiness, earning me a sharp look from my husband.
"He isn't me." Evan laughed playfully, and I giggled.
"This is just too amazing, though. My mum bought us some pans for the kitchen," I winced, noticing Evan's eyes cloud over.
"Pans are normal. This is beyond extravagant, Jain. But he feels guilty that my parents weren't there."
My chest ached when he spoke, and I reached for his hand. He lifted it to his lips, kissing it softly.
"I'm not bothered, Jain. If they don't accept us, then they don't get me."
I nodded, suddenly feeling sad despite the perfect situation I found myself in. I understood it—their brilliant and fabulous son had become a criminal for me. Evan, being Evan, had immediately been offered a job that paid more than teaching, but I knew it lacked the passion that education held for him.
It was a high price to pay.
"I'm sorry you can't teach," I whispered as he glanced at me, waving his hand dismissively.
"Jain, I've got you. Do you know how hard it was teaching without you in my life? I much prefer it this way."
"I know, but I'm sorry you don't have both."
Evan nodded grimly, and I knew then he was thinking about Julian and Vada. He scowled before letting his eyes wander over my body.
"Me too, but I've got you. I'm good."
The champagne arrived, and as I sipped the ice-cold bubbles, I sighed happily. My fingers laced with my husband's. The sun was warming my bones, and the sea waited for me patiently.
I was a lucky girl.
Epilogue
Sebastian
Itrudged up the drive, the gravel cracking beneath my feet, announcing my approach to anyone that was listening hard enough. The light glowed from the front window, and I could see her sitting on the sofa, gazing at her TV through half-drunken lids. I knocked on the door softly, enough to get her attention but not loud enough to draw anyone else’s. I heard her padding towards the door, her fingers scratching against the spy hole as she checked who was knocking at this hour.
The door swung open as I knew it would, and her pink-painted lips parted widely, reminding me of a clown.
“Professor Silver,” she breathed, her eyes travelling down my body greedily.
I couldn’t fathom what had possessed my brother to invest his time on this vile creature, but that wasn’t a debate for now. I held up a bottle of wine as she let out a breathless giggle. She moved aside, her eyes widening as I moved against her softly. The stench of white wine and stale food hit my nostrils, and I tried not to gag.
“Evening, Vada.” I smiled as she reached for another glass for me.
“What a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you after—well. You know.”
She shifted slightly, chewing on her lip which left a pink stain on her teeth. I knew what she was talking about—when she sent my brother to prison. I chose not to address such matters and instead lifted the glass to my lips.
