Aaron’s nostrils flared and the veins on his biceps bulged; Zander stood his ground, the two of them practically nose to nose. Freya half expected him to challenge Zander, but he didn’t. His fists clenched and his jaw locked. She didn’t recognise the man she’d laughed and chatted with, the man she’d trusted and fallen enough for to let him in emotionally. How wrongly she’d read him.
‘There’s a seaplane to Malé leaving at eleven tomorrow,’ Zander said. ‘I expect you to be packed and on it.’
Aaron turned as if to go. He faltered and swung back, pushing his hands into Zander’s chest. ‘I did it because you have everything and I have nothing.’
Zander didn’t move. His eyes remained locked on Aaron. ‘That’s where you’re wrong. You had everything; the love of a kind and beautiful women, which you threw away because you thought she’d cheated on you because of who I am. You have a little boy who’s yours to love, if you allow yourself to. What I have are material things, and trust me, they don’t necessarily make for a happy or contented life, whatever you believe. And whatever you may think of me, it’s not too late to make amends with Zahida.’
The two men stared at each other. Freya could see the tears glistening in Aaron’s eyes. He’d finally admitted the truth, and it left her feeling hurt and empty.
Without another word or a backwards glance at Freya, Aaron stormed off through the trees towards the bookshop he’d destroyed.
Freya fought with her emotions as she watched him until he disappeared in the darkness.
‘I’m so sorry, Freya.’ Zander’s voice was quiet and comforting against the gentle sigh of the waves.
She realised she was shaking and her heart was pounding. She looked at Zander. ‘I know he’s just admitted it. But what evidence?’
He sighed and rubbed his hand across his forehead. ‘There’s a bird cam in the bird box on one of the trees behind the bookshop. I’d completely forgotten it was there until our head gardener watched the footage that had been recorded over the last week. It captured everything. That night Aaron went inside the bookshop first, we assume to start the fire in there, then there’s a clear shot of him lobbing some kind of flaming kindling on to the roof. Needless to say it caught light immediately and there was no stopping it. We could see Aaron about to leave the clearing when you arrived. The picture got distorted by smoke after that. I’m so very sorry. Even though I had my suspicions, I honestly didn’t think he was capable of something as reckless as this.’
‘You weren’t going to tell me about it?’
‘I wasn’t sure; I didn’t want to upset you. I’d spoken to Aaron about it this morning and I’d given him until tomorrow to explain himself and at which point I was going to fire him and let him leave quietly, like I said, no fuss, no drama.’
Freya nodded as she stared out at the ocean. While it was serene, she was filled with turmoil. She trusted Zander more and more as the weeks went on and she’d slowly begun to get to know and understand him better. He had a public persona, and his real self was hidden from most people. Aaron setting fire to the bookshop had allowed her to see Zander for who he really was, the same way she now knew the truth about Aaron.
‘I’m surprised you’ve remained so calm and you were going to let him stay until tomorrow.’
‘To be honest that was down to there being no seaplane here today, plus the last thing I want is for things to kick off. I have guests to think about. With Aaron gone, we’re going to need to rearrange the scuba dives that were scheduled. I don’t want any more fuss.’
‘Well, I’m glad I know the truth, even if I feel foolish for having trusted and believed him.’
‘He hid things well.’
‘I know.’ She nodded and breathed deeply. ‘Right, I’m going to head back.’
‘You shouldn’t, not yet, not with Aaron still there.’
‘Surely he’s not going to do anything now? I’m in the women’s block...’ Freya frowned and studied Zander. ‘What on earth do you think he’s capable of?’
‘I’ve seen a side to him that I’m certain you haven’t.’ He stared at his feet and shook his head. ‘I should have sent him packing years ago.’ He glanced up at her. ‘He set fire to the bookshop; he didn’t go and get help even when he knew you were there. I don’t trust him and neither should you. Come back with me, even for just an hour or two until he calms down. Just to be on the safe side.’
Freya bit her lip, tears welling, the emotion of the evening and the turmoil inside her overwhelming. ‘I’ve already been to your villa this evening.’
‘You have?’
‘I had an argument with Aaron earlier and I went to find you to get some answers. Maryam pretty much confirmed everything for me, made me see and understand the truth. I’ve been so stupid, so blinkered...’
‘Yes, by his lies.’
‘If I go back with you, it’ll just add weight to his belief that there’s something going on between us.’ Her face flushed again.
Zander smiled. ‘But there’s not and we know that, so there’s nothing to worry about. I don’t trust him and I don’t want you anywhere near
