Page 117 of The House Swap

For a second, she couldn’t move as it sank in. Then everything hit at once.

She had been catfished.

The man she spoke to most days, who she thought she was developing feelings for, didn’t even exist.

It had been Martin all along. And he had lured her here.

She stared at him in horror, realising he had never been in England.

There had been no house swap.

She had trusted him. They had been friends for so long, and the betrayal cut through her. But beneath it, fear surfaced.

What did he want from her?

A noise came from further within the villa.

Keira.

Poppy’s head snapped towards the hallway, panic surging as she remembered her friend was in the shower. She had no idea Martin was here.

Instinct kicked in hard now, and she took another step back, aware that she needed distance. From him. From whatever he was now.

She saw the moment his expression changed. Harsher now. More alert. Controlled.

He’d heard Keira too.

‘I know she’s here,’ he said quietly.

Poppy froze, her blood running cold as he smiled.

‘Your friend. She’s here.’

How did he know? Had he seen them arrive back at the villa? Or had he already been inside, lying in wait?

She wanted to ask him, but she could see his focus was now on the hallway.

‘Call her,’ he said. His voice was quiet, but commanding.

Poppy’s chest tightened. ‘No!’

‘Call her,’ he repeated, his tone firmer now. ‘Tell her to come through.’

‘Please. She doesn’t need to be involved in this.’

Martin’s expression darkened, and for the first time she saw a glimpse of what lay beneath the calm. She trembled violently.

‘She’s already involved.’

Another sound came from the bedroom. And this time there was movement with it; a door opening. Poppy’s heart slammed as Keira’s voice echoed down the hallway.

‘Did you pour me that wine?’

Her friend had no idea of the danger waiting.

Panic surged and Poppy turned without thinking.

She needed to warn Keira before it was too late.