Rhys told himself a lot of lies.
He told himself that he didn't mind the physically close relationship Gwen had with Jack - the hugs and hand-holding - or the way she looked up at him with an almost besotted admiration. When he was being honest, he himself had a grudging admiration for Jack; he just wished the bastard wasn't so good-looking.
He told himself that he didn't mind the protective tenderness on Jack's face when he looked at her - particularly when he thought she wasn't looking. God knows, he was protective of her, too; would tear anyone who hurt her limb from limb.
But the most frequent lie he told himself was that some day soon he'd do the right thing, the brave and kind thing, and walk out of her life so that she could be free to be with the man she loved.
That was the biggest lie of all.