Scarred Beginnings by Jackie Williams Read Free Book Online

reveal anything over the phone. Something’s happened to her, I know it. She said that she would be here waiting for us.” He was about to shout again when the bushes in front of them began to rustle violently. A few seconds later a red eyed Ellen blundered through the thick foliage.
    “Sorry, sorry. I should have been here…” she gulped then stopped as David came up to her. He didn’t look at all happy.
    “Ellen? What’s happened? You’ve been crying.” He accu sed as the others began to gather around.
    “It’s nothing.” Ellen cuffed away the tears from her cheeks and waved her hand in dismissal but there was no way David would let it go. If she was crying then there was probably an excellent reason for it and he had to know what had caused her tears. “Has anyone hurt you?” His thoughts immediately jumped to Justin.
    Ellen shook her head as tears squeezed from between her eyelashes.
    “No, I’ve not seen him for months. It’s nothing, forget it David. I shouldn’t be greeting you like this. I’m so thrilled that you are all here at last.” She sniffed loudly.
    David’s frown grew deeper. He put his hand on her shoulder and drew her towards him.
    “Don’t give me that. Something bad has happened if you’re crying. You might as well tell me now as I’ll get it out of you eventually anyway.”
    Ellen took a shuddering breath. Her heart felt as though it had been torn apart. David’s concern melted her resolve as his warmth suddenly enveloped her and she fell sobbing into his arms. Somehow he managed to get her inside the château and sitting on a settee as they all clustered around, but it was some minutes before he could make any sense out of his sister’s words.
    “You what? You fell in love with a married man! Ellen, you should know better.” He didn’t mean to sound disappointed but he couldn’t help it. She’d only just managed to get out of Justin’s vicious clutches. He remembered the relief he’d felt when she called to tell him that she had left Justin and the last thing he wanted for her was another bad relationship.
    Ellen glared up at him through her tears.
    “I didn’t know he was still married. He said that she left him. He’s left me a letter but I don’t know what it means.” She went on to tell the whole story of the man who had clearly run out on her.
    David was beyond furious.
    “The bastard!   I’ll kill him!” No one hurt his sister and got away with it. There were growls of approval from all his friends but Ellen shook her head miserably.
    “ No, don’t say things like that David. There must be a better explanation. We’ve been together constantly for the last three months.” She dried her tears on one of the huge handkerchiefs thrust at her and sighed as she stood up. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore. You’ve all come over to rip this place to shreds so let’s get going. I need to know everything that you think this place needs. I want it to be absolutely perfect, no expense spared.” She glanced over at Adam. The big man sat in his wheelchair and glanced around the huge hall. He gave a small grin as he saw the lift nestled to the side of the stone staircase.
    “Great, at least I don’t have to make one of these poor sods carry me up the stairs,” he laughed at the nods of agreement. He knew that they would carry him to the ends of the Earth if he needed them to.
    Ellen walked over to him. She stood by his side as she spoke.
    “You need to take the first room on the right at the head of the stairs. I’ve only bought one proper bed yet. I didn’t want to make the wrong choice and didn’t have anyone else to test it on. It looks to be a fabulous quality but I’ll let you decide. Take a look at it properly as it’s all on an electronic pressure relief system. I’ve also asked someone to be on hand in case you need any extra help. There’s a bell system. Just press it and Geraldine will come and give you a hand. She should be back from