Chapter 11

The last few yards, Hendrick drove unusually slow, like part of him was reluctant to return. As soon as the car rolled to a stop at the villa gate, he was the first to step out. "We're here. Get out," he said flatly. He moved to stride into the villa out of habit, then suddenly paused, remembering Chantelle was still behind him. He stepped back slightly, waiting. In the back seat, Chantelle was still recovering from the wild, reckless drive. Her head was spinning, and it took her a moment before she finally climbed out. She had assumed Hendrick would go in first, but when she saw him waiting, her eyes lit up. Snapping into a smile, she walked over and looped her arm around his. "Sorry, Ricky. I shouldn't have made you wait." He didn't respond. Without looking at her, he opened the door and stepped inside. He thought he would see a warm spread on the table, or catch Savannah clumsily fumbling with an apron in the kitchen, putting together a meal just to please him. He assumed he