So near and yet so far. If there was such a thing as fate, then it was clearly set against them getting out of Emilie's home (could you really call this place a home?) before enduring the most awkward breakfast in history.

Or maybe it was just set against Ciaran leaving any other way than feet first?

He weighed up his options quickly. On one hand, Mr Devlin was already not a fan and so pissing him off with a lie didn't seem like the best idea. On the other, this guy already hated him for doing bad, bad, and very illegal things with his daughter, so aside from bending Emilie over the nearest chaise longue and having his wicked way with her again, what could Ciaran possibly do to to make things worse for himself?

"I was going for a smoke," he replied. "Emilie said she'd come with me to find somewhere that was open. I'm not from around here, so..."