As she straightened her dress, a flash of anger burned away the sting of humiliation. Eyes were on her, but she wouldn’t let them define her. She’d walk away from this, stronger than before.
“You okay, Shan?” Harry’s voice broke through the tension, his frame filling the doorway. His expression softened a fraction.
“Yeah…” The lie rolled off her tongue as she slid her hands around her middle to stop them from shaking. “All good.”
Her chin lifted, her jaw tight, as she looked past him, meeting the eyes of the others in the hallway. They didn’t know how twisted Niall had become, and she doubted they’d believe her.
The next morning, Niall disappeared. After a few weeks of peace, he slithered back to Meadow Dawn.
He offered a wad of cash as an apology for theirlovers’ scuffle,as if that could erase his actions.
Shannon stared at the money, disgust rising in her throat. She wanted to scream, to tell him she couldn’t be bought, that a sincere apology would hold more weight, but the tight smile she forced was all she could offer.
For Harry’s sake.
He’d asked her to keep the peace and forgive his son, who’d paid the price by staying in rehab.
Harry was like a father to her, and she’d do anythingto make him proud, so she took the money, even though it meant nothing to her.
She had cut ties with Niall that night, and no amount of cash could change the fact that she was done with him, even if that meant moving on from the whole ordeal.
It didn’t take long for the rumours to spread like wildfire, as they always did when it came to Niall.
Shannon learned to ignore the whispers, the sidelong glances, but they still stung. The idea that he’d twisted the truth to make himself the victim made her sick.
It was the last thing she ever expected… and yet, she should have known better.
From that moment on, Niall made it his mission to mess with her. Every single day, he’d find some way to piss her off, always reminding her just how little she meant to him. It was his way of keeping control, even after they’d broken up.
The only reason she stayed was because of Trixie. And the fact Harry had made a promise, a solemn vow that his son would never hurt her again.
And she believed him.
27
Shannon
Present
Shannon switched on the radio, her hips swaying to the rhythm in a mood that screamed ‘just had amazing sex recently.’
Glancing down, her phone screen lit up with another message. A selfie... Damn, the man had his grin perfected.
A smile danced over her lips and little flutters burst inside her chest. Her mind drifted to Friday night and what she’d wear.
She wasn’t exactly the sexy kitten type with lacey undies and titty tassels, but anything would be better than those comfy, parachute-sized knickers he seemed to get off on.
If all went to plan and he actually showed up as promised, they probably wouldn’t make it out the door.Letting her mind sink to the filthy depths, a grin curled at the corners of her mouth.
Maybe she shouldn’t wear anything at all, except for the tan cowgirl hat she bought last year at the country festival.
She set her phone down on the kitchen counter, taking a moment to think about her reply. It had to be just right. Flirty without being overdone, sexy without seeming desperate.
Lost in thought, she spun around, startled, when the front door flung open. Niall marched in with his usual sanctimonious air, looking like he’d just stepped out of a catalogue for clueless cowboys.
His pale denim jeans were spotless, and his gingham shirt under an olive fine-knit jumper looked more like something her grandfather would wear, rather than a guy who was supposed to be helping with horses.
“What’s got you smiling like a bitch in heat?” he snapped, dragging the back of his hand across his nostrils.
