Stranded(21)

“If there are, they’re probably further inland.” Grant patted her shoulder. His words were meant to reassure her, but they didn’t help. She hoped she didn’t run into a wild beast.

She took a seat in front of the fire, watching the orange embers dance. A lump formed in her throat while she tried to gather the right words to say. There was no point in beating around the bush. “Look, we can’t pretend the incident between Rafe and I didn’t happen. We’ve all been skirting around the subject and I know it’s my fault.” India nibbled her bottom lip. “And I’m sorry it happened.” There. It was out in the open.

“I think the craziness of the past few days sort of went to my head. I needed that kiss as some kind of validation that I was alive, to feel something other than the despair and frustration of being stranded here.”

A ferocious scowl marred Rafe’s rugged features. “It was more than a kiss and you know it. If this is confession time, then at least tell the truth.”

His accusation hit her like a smack in the face. “What…what do you mean? I am telling the truth.”

Rafe lifted a dark sinister brow. “Oh? Why not admit how you wiggled and squirmed beneath me, pressing your body against mine? You wanted more than to just prove your were alive. You were attracted to me.”

“Stop it,” she whispered.

“Rafe.” Grant spoke his name in a soft rejoinder.

Rafe wouldn’t be stopped. “No. I’ve held my tongue long enough. Go ahead, India. Tell us how you moaned my name and clung to me like you were burning for it.”

Her mouth flew open and her cheeks burned in embarrassment. What could she say to that when what he said was true? She had wanted him. Badly. But to say the words aloud would change the dynamics between them forever. “It’s this situation. I’m not that kind of woman.”

“You were the other day,” Rafe taunted.

India’s gaze cut to Grant to gauge his reaction and to beg his assistance. Why was he sitting there not saying anything? “Grant?”

Rafe reached over and grabbed her wrist. “Tell us the truth, India. You wanted me as more than just a convenient man to validate your existence. I’m beginning to think the only reason you’re upset is because we were caught. Did you like Grant watching us? Is that it? Does voyeurism turn you on?”

“Don’t be disgusting!” She yanked her wrist from his grip and covered her ears with her hands.

“Rafe, that’s enough. She’s not ready for this.”

India did hear that. She dropped her hands, turning her gaze in the blond’s direction. “What are you talking about? What am I not ready for?”

The men looked at each other silently, not saying a word, but it seemed like they knew what the other was thinking.

Rafe finally broke the uncomfortable silence. “I’m sorry, India. I didn’t mean to hammer this topic so hard, but I can’t let you pretend you didn’t want what happened as much as I did. Furthermore, there’s no point in hiding your attraction to Grant.”

“That isn’t…I’m…” She closed her mouth, unable to form the words on her lips. Anger surged through her. She clenched her fists at her side. “Are the two of you thinking of having some sick threesome? Is that what this is all about?”

“You’re the one who wanted to talk, India. If we’re getting our feelings out in the open, I think it should all be laid on the table,” Rafe challenged.

She scrambled to her feet, unwilling to listen to any more. “Do you think I’m a slut? You must, if you think I’m the type to go for something like that. I’m sorry I started this conversation, but the two of you can go to hell if you think I’ll allow either one of you to touch me!” She strode toward the cave entrance.

Grant called out, “Where are you going? It’s pouring out there.”

“I’d rather be in the storm than deal with the two of you right now.” She, walked out into the rain. It beat against her skin, stinging her like angry wasps. It barely registered, however, as she continued to walk along the shoreline. The weather was easier to deal with than the reality of Rafe’s accusations. It wouldn’t have bothered her so much if it weren’t true.



“What the fuck is wrong with you? Did you have to come on so strong?” Grant looked as if he wanted to punch him, but Rafe knew he wouldn’t.

Even if his friend did strike him, Rafe wasn’t prepared to back down. “I’m sorry she’s upset, but I’m not sorry I said it. It needed to be brought out in the open. Things have been so damn tense it’s stifling the hell out of me, and I for one wasn’t going to carry on this game of make-believe that nothing happened. Now that I’ve had a taste of her, I can’t go back and I don’t think you can either.”