Free Outback Flames: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense by Suzanne Brandyn Page A

reached
out, lifted Zoe's hand from the table and turned it around. 'See there.' She
ran her thumb over a small scar on her left palm, at the hub of her thumb. 'You
both have that same scar. The blood brother, sister thing.'
    Zoe blinked,
gazed at her palm. 'I thought it was from my aunt...um...I mean.'
    'Your aunt?
Hell, Zoe, did she hit you?'
    'Please don't
tell anyone, but yes. Several times. She threatened if I ever left she'd make
up stories, get the authorities onto me.'
    'Oh that's so
mean. You should report her.'
    Zoe looked up.
'God no. I can't. It's best forgotten. I don't want her to know where I am.
It's best this way.' Her words hinged on desperation. Zoe couldn't go through
any more turmoil. She wanted her life at Montagreen to be peaceful and happy; a
place she could finally call home, a place where her aunt would never be able
to touch her, a safe place.
    'You can trust
me not to say anything.'
    'Thanks.' She
quickly thought of something else and glanced at the scar on her hand, having
no recollection of ever doing such a thing.

Chapter
Seven
     
    Pulling up in front of the house
at eight the next morning, Zoe stretched her body and stepped from her ute. She
turned, wondering what happened to her furniture, as it was supposed to arrive
fifteen minutes earlier.
    She grabbed
her suitcase, and hauled it indoors and up the steps. It was unusual that she
hadn't spotted Jordan's vehicle parked out front. After returning to her car,
she picked up a box and put it safely inside.
    She stopped
and glanced about. She had pictured the transformation in her mind. The front
door opened to a large foyer with a spiral staircase winding up to the
bedrooms. She breathed in the scent of lacquer and paint. Everything looked new
and fresh. She walked through to the lounge room, and then on to the dining
room, running her hands over the freshly painted cream walls. She spun around,
pleased with the restoration, and retraced her steps until she arrived beside
the lounge room window.
    She peered
out. The fig tree stood tall, green and proud. A stray tear escaped her eye. A
noise behind startled her and she turned back.
    'You're here
early.'
    A grin edged
to her lips. 'It must be all the excitement. Um...I'm sorry about the other
day. My emotions are pretty strung out lately.'
    'I
understand.'
    For long
moments she stared at Jordan, who appeared to have only moments ago climbed
from bed. His hair was ruffled, his eyes sleepy and dreamy and all she wanted
to do was rush up to him and lean into his shoulders. She swallowed, and drew
in a slow composing breath.
    'When are you
moving in?'
    'I have.' She
grinned. 'I haven't much personal stuff and a delivery truck should have been
here.'
    'They'll be
here soon. I passed an unmarked truck on the way. I was here earlier, and the
guys should be almost finished laying the carpet.'
    'No one else
is here.'
    'They only did
your room first up. The rest of the carpet hasn't arrived.'
    'I can live
with that.'
    When she
finished speaking a truck was pulling up directly out front of the house. Zoe's
heart leaped to her throat. Finally, though she had some serious shopping to do
after they had left. Linen, phone connection, crockery; all the little bits
that make a house a home. But she had to be careful she hadn't much left of her
savings. It was this point she wondered where she'd ever get the money to buy
cattle and to hire help. She had enough savings left to pay Jordan and for
necessities. But that was it. She recalled what Jade had said last night about
her parents’ fortune and wondered if it could possibly be true.
    'It's really
is good to see you again, Zoe.'
    'You too
Jordan. I hope we can become good friends.'
    She noticed a
flicker of disappointment pass over his eyes, and his muscles went rigid.
    'I thought we
were already friends.'
    'I said good
friends.'
    'I should get
to it. A few more cupboards to go and it's all yours.'
    'Thank you for
doing such a great job.'
    'No worries.'
    'I'll