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Stranded(60)

By:Eve Vaughn


“That thought crossed my mind as well, or maybe they’ve experienced a change of heart where India is concerned.”

Rafe laughed humorlessly. “Yeah, like our parents had a change of heart about us.”

Grant shuddered as he thought of his last meeting with his dad. To exorcise some of his old demons he’d gone back to that old house and was surprised to see his father still living there. He looked twenty years older than what Grant knew his actual age to be, and he was just as drunk and belligerent as ever, but Grant was no longer a scared little boy. He was a man and could finally see what a sad, pathetic person the man who’d sired him actually was. He was weak, and because of that weakness, he tore others down to make himself feel better. A few years later Grant hadn’t batted an eye when he learned of his father’s death caused by a knife wound at a bar fight.

Rafe hadn’t seen his mother in years, but the last he’d heard from her, she was living with yet another man.

“When put like that, I catch your meaning. I wonder what it is they want with her? She hasn’t had the time to heal from the pain they’ve inflicted on her over the years, as we have.”

Rafe nodded. “Exactly. Imagine what being around them for any period of time would do to her self-esteem. I can’t help but remember how starved of love she was when we first met her. It was as if she felt she wasn’t worthy of anyone loving or caring about her. I believe it’s one of the reasons she’s always plagued with uncertainties when we’re not there with her. Anyway, I don’t think I can go another week without her here with us. I’d miss her too much.

“Are we in agreement about what we need to do?”

“Yes. Take the next exit and head back. I, for one, don’t intend to leave without her this time around.”





Stranded





Chapter Eighteen


India’s jaw dropped from lack of anything to say. Steven walked over to her, looking like the epitome of tall, dark and handsome. His chiseled ebony features and lithe, wide-shouldered body would have been enough to make any woman’s pulse race, but she felt absolutely nothing. Not one single feeling stirred within her except disgust with herself for putting up with this joker for so long.

Steven leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “You look very beautiful, India. I’m very glad I’ve had this opportunity to see you again. When I heard about the plane crash, I realized whatever silly difference we had doesn’t matter. We belong together, and I’m willing to take you back, despite your little temper tantrum and embarrassing me in front of my friends and family. But I digress. We’ll talk about this after the interview.”

Trevor Powers beamed, holding his hand out to him. “It’s so good of you to make it. When Leila told me you were coming, I was thrilled to hear you wouldn’t hold what India did against her, and give her another chance. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have as a son-in-law than you.”

India, still unable to believe what was going on, looked from her mother, whose smug expression said it all, to Steven’s beaming face. The ringing doorbell prevented her from telling them both where to stuff it. This time it would probably be the reporter.

When India turned to look at her brother, she was nearly bowled over by the intensity of his glare. If there was ever any doubt in her mind about his feelings for her, there were none now. He hated her, but somehow it didn’t cut as deeply as it used to.

Whatever Jack’s problem was, she didn’t have time to dwell on it because Steven wrapped his arm around her waist, giving the appearance of intimacy between them.

She would have pulled away from him, but his grip tightened. He leaned over to whisper in her ear, “There’s no need to be so squeamish, India. We’ll talk about your little outburst later. Now smile for the reporter.”

A petite brunette with warm brown eyes walked forward and held her hand out to India. “Miss Powers, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. When I heard about your brave tale, I was honored to be chosen to be the one to tell your story. I’m Ellen Finster, but please call me Ellen.”

India could only stare at the woman until Steven gave her a light pinch, jolting her into action. She took the offered hand and tried to shape her lips into a smile. It wasn’t this woman’s fault that her parents had manipulated India into this situation. “Nice to meet you and you may call me India.”

“That’s such a pretty name.” There was something genuine about the other woman that India would have found warming under any other circumstances, but with her family and Steven hovering around, she couldn’t bring herself to relax.