Stranded(34)

Grant kissed her forehead and gave her an easy smile, showing off his deep dimples. “He won’t mind as I’m sure there will be times when the two of you will be together when I’m not around. But of course, most of the time the three of us will be together. Will you be okay with that?”

She nodded. “Yes. I’ve already resigned myself to it.” India placed her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, not wanting to leave his embrace. “Why didn’t the two of you come inside of me last night? I’m on the shot so you needn’t worry about me getting pregnant.”

Grant’s chest rose and fell from the deep breath and exhale. “We wanted to, you have no idea how much, but it was our way of showing you some consideration. The decision for us to do that would have to come from you. It would seal our pact. Last night was our first time together and you were apprehensive and uncertain.”

“But I’m not anymore.”

Grant nuzzled the side of her neck. “That much is obvious.”

“I’ve never had sex without a condom before. Is it totally irresponsible of me to want the two of you to finish inside of me?”

“No. If that’s what you feel, you can’t be condemned for that, but if it makes you feel any better, I get tested regularly for STD’s and my results are always negative. Rafe can attest to his clean bill of health. Does that ease your mind?”

For some odd reason, India was never really worried about that. Sure it would normally have been a concern for her, but with Rafe and Grant the same rules didn’t apply. It was strange feeling this way about two men she’d know for the space of a week, especially when in today’s society having sex unprotected was like playing Russian Roulette with one’s health. Not knowing why, something told her these men would never endanger her in any way. The thought was scary and comforting at the same time.

Grant placed another kiss at the side of her neck. “Okay, sweetheart. Why don’t you go wash up and I’ll be on the beach trying to scrounge up something to eat. I’m sure Rafe is probably stirring now.”

India nodded, reluctant to let him go. She pouted as she watched him dress.

He walked over to some plants and began picking the long fat leaves. He then turned to wink at her before leaving.

There was something mischievous in the look he’d shot her, and she wondered what he was up to. Whatever it was, she had a feeling she was in for a sleepless night.



* * *



The stick Rafe had fashioned into a spear broke in half at his last failed attempt in catching a fish. “Shit!” This was frustrating as hell. He’d been standing in the water for God knows how long trying to catch a fish and he couldn’t get one even though he could clearly see them swimming beneath the surface.

He had to catch something or tonight they’d go hungry. He saw Grant a few feet away, using his shirt as a makeshift net. It didn’t seem like he was having much luck either. They had to get off this damn island soon. In the week they’d been here, he could already tell he’d lost some weight. Right now, he’d give his left nut for a cheeseburger with all the fixings.

The sun beat against his back and Rafe wished he had the protection of his shirt. He’d have a nasty burn by the end of the day if he stood out here much longer.

India, who had been gathering firewood earlier, joined him. His heart skipped a beat when he saw her. “No luck, huh?”

He shook his head. “Not a bit. It’s not as easy as they make it look on television, and I’ve broken my stick.”

“Nothing ever is that easy. I know this isn’t an ideal situation, but on that big rock over there, I saw a bunch of snails. If we cook them over a fire they won’t taste so bad.”

Rafe turned his nose up. He was hungry, but not that damn hungry. “I’m sorry, but I’m not eating snails.”

“Haven’t you ever had escargot? It’s pretty tasty in a garlic butter sauce.”

Rafe wanted to throw up. It was bad enough he’d eaten that raw crab on their second night here. It had done a number on his stomach and there was no telling what those slimy mollusks would do to him. “No thanks. I believe I’ll pass on that.”

“I’ll pick some just in case. I’m sure they probably won’t taste like they do in the restaurant, but we may not have a choice.”

She was right. Beggars couldn’t be choosers. “You sound as if you’ve had them often.”

“I have. They’re not bad, actually—a little chewy, but still quite tasty.”

“Ugh. Please don’t go into detail.”