She swallowed, her heart pounding; she’d seen that look before and it didn’t bode well. ‘Wha … what are you doing here?’
‘Aren’t you going to invite me in? I’m freezing my bollocks off out here, the least you could do is give me an explanation.’ His eyes narrowed, taking on a cold, shark-like appearance.
‘I don’t want to talk to you, Donny, I’ve got nothing to say to you.’ She went to close the door but, quick as a flash, he thrust his foot in it, wedging it open.
‘Well, I want to talk to you.’ He pushed the door roughly, forcing her back.
‘Donny, you have no right to be here. This isn’t my house.’
He ignored her and looked around the hallway, peering into the living room. ‘Well, isn’t this cosy? Holiday cottage, eh? I wonder which lucky git owns it; no doubt someone who hasn’t done a day’s work in his life, just had everything handed to him on a platter, not having to work their guts out like the rest of us.’
Livvie’s mind was racing, wondering how he’d found her, how he knew this was a holiday cottage. Bry must have told him; she’d have been worried when Livvie hadn’t texted her. She cursed herself for her oversight.
‘And I gather you’ve been shacking up with some doctor bloke, is that right?’ He returned his gaze to her, his eyes boring right into hers.
She flinched and looked away. ‘It’s his cottage; there was a mix up and we both ended up here.’
‘Really? And you expect me to believe that, do you?’
Livvie felt suddenly galvanised by a surge of courage. ‘Donny, you seem to forget that it was me who found you shagging our next-door-neighbour in our house, on the sofa I’d spent a small fortune on; and I know it had been going on since the woman moved in. And I know she wasn’t the first, for that matter.’
He sniggered at her. ‘You’ve only got yourself to blame; just look at the state of you, no man in their right mind would touch a fat cow like you with a fucking barge-pole. You’ve let yourself go, you have.’
Livvie bit back tears. ‘And you’ve come all this way to tell me that, have you?’
‘No woman makes a fool of me, you should know that, Livvie. Jumping straight into bed with another man when we aren’t even finished has made me very, very angry.’
‘As far as I’m concerned we were finished the moment I caught you having sex with that other woman. And there’s no way I’d ever get back with you.’ Her heart was hammering hard in her chest, her breathing ragged. She clenched her hands to disguise that they were shaking; she was scared but there was no way she was going to let him see that.
He lunged across at her and grabbed her by the hair. ‘I decide when we’re finished. Me! Not you! Got it?’ He shook her roughly.
Livvie was too stunned to answer. He was hurting her and she was struggling hard not to cry.
‘Got it?’ he yelled, shaking her once more, making her wince.
‘Let her go,’ said a voice behind him.
Donny froze. ‘What the fu—'
‘I said, let her go.’ Zander moved towards them, towering over Donny’s diminutive five feet six inches, wearing an expression that said it wouldn’t be wise to argue with him.
Donny released his grip on Livvie’s hair and she stepped back from him. He jutted his chin defiantly at Zander.
‘I thought it was you; I’d never forget eyes as cruel and full of hate as yours.’ Zander circled him.
‘I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about, mate, but I’ve never seen you before in my life.’
Livvie looked on, rubbing her scalp where the hair had been ripped out, her heart racing, as the look on Zander’s face made her think he was ready to break Donny in two.
‘Oh, but you have; seven years ago to be precise, in Scaggleby, down the bank by the line of trees. You had a young Labrador with you, remember?’
‘I haven’t a clue who you are or what your problems is, mate, but you’re talking absolute bollocks.’
‘I can tell by your evil little face that you know exactly what I’m talking about. You remember that young Labrador and you remember exactly what you did to him, don’t you?’
Donny shuffled from one foot to the other, suddenly unable to make eye contact with Zander, a shifty expression on his face. ‘You’ve got the wrong bloke, I’ve never had a dog.’
Repulsion surged through Livvie, making her feel sick; she was familiar enough with Donny’s body language to know that he was telling a bare-faced lie.
‘I haven’t got the wrong bloke; I’d never forget the evil look you had in your eyes that night. I haven’t seen anything like it until today when I drove past you. It was you that nearly killed him. You evil bastard.’
‘Piss off! You can’t go around accusing innocent people of stuff like that. It’s all in your head.’
Livvie broke her silence. ‘I believe every word that Zander has just said; I can tell just by looking at you that he’s right and you’re lying. You’re a hideous man, Donny and you ought to be ashamed of yourself.’
‘Shut your face, you stupid cow! You don’t know what you’re talking about, the dog was a bloody nuisa—’ Donny’s face fell when he realised he’d landed himself right in it.
Livvie could feel herself getting breathless with emotion as she struggled with coming face-to-face with the monster who’d hurt Alf. The urge to slap him hard and wipe that arrogant expression off his face was building but before she had chance to act upon it Zander grabbed the collar of the smaller man’s coat, pushing his face into Donny’s so their noses were almost touching. ‘Don’t ever, ever, talk to Livvie like that again. She’s perfect. And don’t ever, ever lay another finger on her again. She’s a beautiful, kind-hearted woman and she’s way too good for you. And as for the Labrador you abused so shockingly, you twat, he survived and is currently sitting in my car – well out of your way – and unless you want me to call the police and tell them everything I know, I’d disappear if I were you, and keep well away from Livvie and this house. Got it?’
Still defiant, Donny didn’t answer.
‘Got it?’ Zander yelled, pushing him hard against the wall.
Donny nodded. ‘Got it.’ He was scared – a classic bully – Livvie had never seen him look like this before; he’d always had the upper-hand in their relationship.
Zander let him go. ‘Now clear off out of my house you trespassing piece of shit.’
‘Don’t worry, I’m off.’ He turned as he reached the door. ‘And you’re welcome to that fat cow.’ He nodded towards Livvie. ‘She’s all yours.’
Zander strode towards him and Donny disappeared down the path, slipping over on his way to the gate.
Zander followed him out, making sure he got back into his van and drove off, before he let Alf out of the Jeep.
A few moments later, Livvie heard the thud of a car door shutting and Zander talking to Alf; from what she could hear the Labrador seemed reluctant to walk up the path. She assumed it was because of Donny’s scent, resurrecting old memories and fears. ‘Oh, the poor boy,’ she said, opening the door.
Alf was standing at the gate, his ears and tail down, looking anxious. Zander stroked his head. ‘Come on, Alfie, this is your home, don’t let him win.’ He reached into his pocket and pulled out a dog biscuit. ‘Look, this treat is yours if you follow me up the path, come on. Good lad.’ He clicked his tongue, encouraging Alf to follow him. He opened the door and stepped inside, his hand outstretched, still holding the biscuit. ‘What a good boy,’ he said as Alf followed him into the house.
Once the biscuit had been eaten, Alf started sniffing around the floor, his hackles up, a low growl emanating from him.
‘It’s alright, Alf; he can’t hurt you again,’ said Livvie.
‘You’re right, he’s gone,’ said Zander, closing the door behind him. ‘And I’m pretty certain he won’t be troubling here again.’
On hearing Zander’s words, Livvie started to shake uncontrollably as the tears she’d been holding back
now poured in hot rivulets down her cheeks.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said, sobbing. ‘It’s my fault he came here. What if he’d hurt Alf again?’ Before she knew it, she was wrapped in Zander’s arms and with a deep breath, she let herself melt into him.
‘Hey, don’t cry, it’s not your fault.’
‘It is, I should’ve texted Bry last night; I promised her I would but I forgot.’
‘And you think it was her who told Donny where you were?’
‘I think he must’ve worn her down; he can be quite forceful.’
‘I’d noticed.’
‘She’ll have been worried about me. I was supposed to text her last night to let her know I was still okay.’
‘So she was doubly sure I wasn’t a mad axeman?’
‘Yes.’ She nodded and Zander laughed. ‘Me being thoughtless and not texting her, ended up sending Donny here.’
‘You weren’t thoughtless, we all forget to text people from time to time. I’m terrible for it – as my sister could happily testify. I’m just glad he didn’t have chance to hurt you, but he’s gone now so it’s all good.’
Livvie lifted her head. ‘But what he did to Alf … it’s unforgivable; he shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it or be near another animal.’
Alf trotted over on hearing his name. He sat beside Livvie’s feet and rested his paw on her leg, whimpering softly.
Zander smoothed his hand over Alf’s head. ‘Don’t worry, he won’t be. I know I sent him off in the belief that I wouldn’t report him, but after what he did to this little fella, there’s no way I can let him get away with it. Once Christmas is over with, I’m going to have a word with PC Snaith – he’s the local bobby here – and tell him everything I know; see if there’s a chance of prosecution.’
‘Good, he deserves to be locked up and have the key thrown away.’
‘He does, but I don’t think we should waste another moment thinking about him today.’ Zander gave her shoulders a squeeze, his blue eyes peering into hers. ‘And would you like the good news first or the fantastic news?’
‘Oh, I, er …’ she wiped her eyes with her fingers. ‘I think I’ll start with the good news.’ A tiny glimmer of happiness sneaked in.
‘Okay, the good news is that I managed to pick up some marshmallows at the village shop.’
‘That is very good news.’
‘And the fantastic news is that I picked up the last couple of slices of Lucy’s chocolate-dipped flapjacks. So what do you say to a hot chocolate with all the trimmings and one of those little beauties?’ He grinned, rubbing his hands together.
Livvie sniffed and gave a watery smile. He was such a kind-hearted man – so different from Donny. ‘The fantastic news sounds delicious; I’m definitely up for a hot chocolate and some flapjack.’
‘Good! And don’t worry, Alf, I picked up a treat for you, too, in the shape of some rather tasty-looking meaty dog biscuits – they actually look so good, I’m almost tempted myself.’
Livvie laughed. ‘Do you mind if I just go and text Bryony first; put her mind at ease. I was just about to do it when Donny knocked at the door. I need to warn her about him, too.’
‘Yes, of course, go for it.’
25
Livvie
Livvie felt as if every ounce of energy had been drained out of her as she sat on the edge of her bed waiting for Bryony to answer her phone. When she’d finally got round to switching her mobile on, a slew of missed calls and texts had pinged through from her. Even more from Donny, with the voicemail messages getting increasingly irate. Poor Bry if she’s had to face him, thought Livvie.
‘Livvie, oh my God, I’m so relieved to hear from you, are you alright? I’ve been worried sick, I didn’t know what to do or what to think. Donny came round and I’m really sorry but—’
‘Honestly, Bry, I’m fine, I’m the one who should apologise to you for not getting in touch yesterday when I’d promised I would; you must’ve been going out of your mind.’
‘Oh, shit, I so was. I didn’t know what to think, what with you being stuck in the middle of nowhere with some strange bloke you’ve only known for two minutes. And then when Donny came round, he seemed really concerned so I told him where you were staying. I regretted it as soon as he’d gone, so started ringing you again and, oh bloody hell, Josh and me were just about to set off and find you. Josh has heard some things about Donny and what he’s capable of—’
‘It’s okay, Bry.’ Her friend was gabbling as she always did when she was feeling anxious. ‘He’s been here … this morning.’ Livvie felt her throat tighten as tears threatened again. She took a deep breath and swallowed them down.
‘Oh, jeez, Liv, I’m so sorry. How was he? Please tell me he didn’t hurt you.’
Livvie went on to explain what had happened, her voice wavering at times, but Bryony’s soothing words of encouragement helped her plough on.
‘Well, I hope that slimy little bastard gets everything that’s coming to him. And I’ll tell you something else, hun, we never liked him, Josh and me. We always thought there was something dodgy about him and we were always worried about you. He was punching above his weight big time when he started going out with you, and he knew it, that’s why he had to belittle you and chip away at your confidence the whole time. There, I’ve said it.’ Bry released a heavy breath down the phone.
‘Wow.’ Livvie laughed. ‘I had no idea you thought that about him.’
‘Afraid so. I couldn’t tell you though; it wasn’t what you’d have wanted to hear at the time. And I love you too much to risk losing my best friend in the whole world ever.’ Bry laughed too. ‘So I can say it now: what the effing hell were you thinking, Liv? You and twat face had absolutely nothing in common. He’s a slimy little sponging scumbag who was just free-loading his way through life, while you’re gorgeous, kind, funny, clever and super-talented as well as a load of other things that I just don’t have time to list or we’ll be here all day.’
‘So you’re on the fence about Donny, then?’ Livvie giggled, feeling brighter; Bry always had the knack of making her see the funny side of things.
‘Hah! The little bastard’s right off my Christmas card list. I can’t tell you how it used to pain me to have to write his name on the one I sent to you.’
‘Really? You hid it well.’
‘It was bloody hard, I can tell you.’
After the pair had finished laughing, Livvie said, ‘Anyway, that’s enough about me, how are things with you?’
‘Well, I have some news of the exciting variety…’
26
Zander
Zander watched Livvie disappear through the door and make her way across the living room. She’d lost the usual bounce to her step and her shoulders were slumped; she’d had the stuffing knocked out of her. He hoped speaking to her friend would lift her spirits, and prayed that Donny hadn’t done anything stupid there.
Zander rubbed the back of his neck, easing a knot of tension in his shoulders as adrenalin still pumped its way round his body, keeping him on the alert after their encounter with Donny. The fear on Livvie’s face as Donny had grabbed hold of her hair jumped into his mind followed by an image of those cold, evil eyes, making his body tense again. Usually, when he was feeling this way – after an argument with Mel or a particularly difficult day at work – he’d go for a run, which is exactly what his instincts were telling him to do now. But there was no way he’d leave Livvie on her own; it was going to take her a while to feel settled again. Alf, too, for that matter. Zander felt the need to stay close to them.
He looked down at his faithful Labrador whose expression and body language he couldn’t quite read. ‘You alright, young man?’ Alf gave his usual reply of a stubby tail wag and a whimper but Zander could tell he’d been affected by Donny’s presence.
Just then, Livvie’s laughter floated downstairs and he breathed a sigh of relief; it was good to hear her sounding happy again. Things were obviously okay there
.
‘Come on, I think you deserve another treat, fella.’ Zander headed into the kitchen with Alf hot on his heels.
After the treats were dished out, Zander sat on the floor beside Alf and wrapped his arms around him, stroking his velvety head. ‘You’re a brave lad, you know that, don’t you?’ Alf cuddled in closer. ‘And you’re safe now, nothing will ever hurt you again, I’ll make sure of that.’ Zander’s eyes stung with tears. As a rule, memories of that night were pushed firmly to the back of his mind, well out of reach; he was loath to revisit them. He’d managed to tell Livvie about Alf’s story from the edges of the memory, but seeing Donny today had brought it all flooding back in vivid detail, bringing with it the pain that still felt surprisingly raw.
‘He knows.’ Livvie’s voice startled the pair of them. ‘He knows how much you love him and that you’ll keep him safe. That’s why he’s the way he is now; happy and upbeat with that amazing zest for life. He wouldn’t be like that with anybody else; that’s all down to you.’
Zander wiped his eyes and got to his feet. ‘I, er, I didn’t hear you come downstairs.’
‘Hardly surprising when you’ve got this lad practically stuffed in one of your ears.’ She smiled, rubbing Alf under the chin. ‘Erm, I seem to recall there were rumours of a killer hot chocolate complete with all the trimmings.’
27
Livvie
‘Oh, wow, this is seriously yummy.’ Livvie wiped whipped cream from her hot chocolate off her top lip.
‘Wait till you try the flapjack,’ said Zander, passing her a plate bearing a plump, chocolatey slice.
Livvie cut a corner and popped it into her mouth, the buttery, treacly flavours flooding her taste-buds. ‘Mmm, wow. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better.’ She cut herself another piece.
A Christmas Kiss Page 18