Josephine Cox 3-Book Collection 1: Midnight, Blood Brothers, Songbird. Josephine Cox

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      Molly was not content.

      Mal adored her so much that she only had to say the word, and he would give her anything that was within his power to give. Yet still, she was not satisfied, and probably never would be.

      Not without Jack.

      He filled her mind, day and night. Despite the fact that she was now engaged to Malcolm Shawncross, she was still obsessed with Jack.

      ‘Oh Jack, it was a mistake,’ she murmured out loud. ‘I should never have let you go.’

      ‘What’s that?’ Mal returned from the kitchen. ‘Sorry, love. I didn’t hear what you said.’

      ‘Oh, it was nothing. I was just thinking out loud, that’s all.’

      Handing her a cup of coffee, he sat on the sofa beside her. ‘Just now when I came in, you seemed upset. Is there something worrying you? Whatever it is, we’ll sort it together.’

      ‘Like I said – it’s nothing. Stop nagging.’ Repulsed by his nearness, she inched away.

      Mal sipped at his coffee. He felt unsettled. They had been engaged for three weeks now, but he still didn’t feel as if Molly loved him like she should. He knew she was disappointed that they hadn’t been away on that fortnight’s holiday he promised her, but he and Brian were at a tricky stage with the barn project. He couldn’t spare the time for a break just now.

      Not certain what he should do, Mal decided to keep quiet. He had learned that when Molly was in one of her moods, it was best to leave her alone. She had a scary temper on her at times. So, he drank his coffee and waited. He hoped that if he waited long enough, she might tell him what was on her mind. Instead, the silence thickened.

      Suddenly, she was on her feet and looking down on him. ‘There’s something you should know.’ Her voice was intense. Too serious.

      ‘What might that be, then?’ His heartbeat quickened. And when she answered him, he was shocked to his roots.

      ‘I made a mistake, getting engaged to you.’ When he opened his mouth to speak, she went on, ‘No! Don’t say anything. I’m sorry, but I realise it now. I’m just not ready for a big commitment. It’s over, Mal.’

      There! It was said, and she felt all the better for it. Yet she had to be careful, because if she couldn’t get Jack back again, she might well be left on the shelf.

      Mal was devastated. ‘Is it something I’ve done?’ he asked. ‘If I’ve upset you in any way, I’m sorry. I’ll make it right. I love you, Molly – I always have, you know that.’

      The smallest semblance of pity touched her cold heart, but she was not about to change her mind. She had been making plans, and today she’d managed to acquire the information she needed. So now, there was no turning back. ‘I’m sorry, Mal. I really am.’

      Heartbroken, he bowed his head. ‘Don’t let it be over, Molly,’ he pleaded. ‘Take as much time as you like to think it through, but don’t finish it now, not like this. I can wait. I’ll wait for ever if I have to.’

      He felt like a coward. He knew he should be throwing her out, but she was in his blood. He could not imagine life without her.

      Molly had a plan. ‘I need to go out for a while,’ she lied.

      His heart lightened. ‘That’s a good idea. We can talk about it, away from here. Let’s jump in the car and go to the Black Horse at Woburn. It’s quiet there at this time of evening.’

      ‘No! I’m going out on my own. Like you said, I need to think.’ But not about him, she thought. Not about spending the rest of her life without him. It was Jack she needed to think about. She wanted him back, and to that end, she was prepared to do anything.

      A few minutes later she was on her way out, leaving Mal standing at the window, feeling utterly wretched, watching her go. ‘What’s happening?’ he kept asking himself. ‘Where did I go wrong?’