Chapter 72

I appraise the look in her eyes, searching for any hidden meaning, a moment of uncertainty fleeting through me as the little green-eyed monster pokes out again.

“You?” I ask cautiously, with an inner pang of worry that maybe she and Jake dated in the past. I really hope not.

“I didn’t have a good start; I was adopted when I was seven. My mother was a drunk and didn’t look after me too well,” Leila says bluntly. I see no shame or embarrassment in her eye, and it surprises me. She’s completely open about her past. You would never know she had a bad start in life from how she is now.

“You were guarded?” I laugh, unable to believe it.

“Jake’s a really good friend; he’s like a big brother in many ways. He’s known me since I was an angry, troubled little girl, and he made me laugh, pulled me out of myself.” She links her arm through mine casually, her eyes wide and bright. I get the distinct impression Jake has never been romantic with her. I don’t know how I know,