Page 131 of The Love Position

‘Char! Fuck, it’s good to hear your voice.’

‘Is it Dad? Mum?’

‘They’re fine. Everyone’s fine.’

Sophia let out a gasping sob as her emotional wall collapsed and tears flowed down her cheeks.

‘Shit. Did you think something had happened to them? Char, I’m a fucking idiot. I said it was serious because they didn’t want to get you out of class. I’m so sorry.’ Her brother sighed. ‘Estelle is going to flay me alive when she finds out.’

Sophia hiccupped a small laugh at the image of Estelle whacking James with her riding crop.

‘So, what’s happened?’

‘Nothing. I needed to speak to you about Isaac.’

What? ‘Isaac?’

‘Yes. He’s not who you think he is.’

Sophia gulped in a breath, lights flashing behind her eyes.

‘Don’t be cross, but Estelle told me he was at the ashram and that something had happened between you. Is that true?’

‘Isaac… He’s my boyfriend,’ she said, trying to speak with conviction even though her voice was wobbling.

Her brother sighed heavily. ‘Char, I know this year has been a clusterfuck for you, and I’m glad you want to move on from Marcus, but I want to keep you safe.’

‘What are you talking about? I don’t think I could be any safer than when I’m with Isaac.’

‘You don’t know him. You only met him, what, eight months ago? You’ve got no idea what he’s capable of.’

Sophia clutched her free hand to her pounding head. ‘Isaac’s a yoga teacher, not a serial killer. I trust him completely.’

‘Look, when Estelle told me you were seeing him, I did some digging, made a few calls.’

‘You did what?’

‘Char, I’m your overprotective older brother. I felt like I’d failed you with Marcus and I didn’t want to see you hurt again.’

‘I don’t care who Isaac was in the past. I only care about who he is now.’

‘Do you know why he left Conqueror?’

‘Yes. His boss was a creeper who tried it on with his girlfriend, and Isaac kicked off.’

Silence.

James took a deep breath. ‘Char, Isaac put Victor Thornfield in hospital.’

‘W-what?’

‘He didn’t just “kick off”, Isaac kicked the living shit out of him. The only reason Victor Thornfield isn’t dead is that other people intervened and dragged Isaac away.’

Sophia’s head was reeling. ‘I… I…’

‘Charges weren’t brought against Isaac because Thornfield made a deal with HR after other women came forward saying they’d also been felt up by him. He promised to keep his hands to himself and not press charges as long as Isaac and his girlfriend lost their jobs.’

‘But… That’s not fair!’

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