Read Online Lone Star Millionaire by Susan Mallery - Free Book Online

didn’t doubt Cal’s abilities, she was concerned about Anastasia. She’d suffered tremendously, and she’d had to do it alone. That kind of experience could leave a person scarred for life.
    She and Cal went back into the living room. Mrs. Sellis watched them, her dark eyes glowing with greed. Sabrina ignored her and crossed to the closed door. She hesitated, almost afraid of what she would find on the other side, then drew a breath and turned the handle.
    The bedroom was tiny, dark and even more dirty than the living room. Sabrina didn’t want to think about what might be living under the bed. Clothes were scattered all over. There were dirty plates, glasses, torn magazines and dirt everywhere. Anastasia lay curled up on the bed, with her back to the door. Her shoulders shook, but she didn’t make a sound.
    Sabrina stared at her and tried to decide the best way to handle the situation. Her instinct was to offer the girl comfort, but her gut told her that was wrong. Right now Anastasia was scared and angry. Compassion would be viewed as weakness. She decided to go for logic.
    â€œBoy, were you stupid,” she said, her tone conversational.
    That got the hoped-for response. The girl stopped crying.
    â€œTalk about blowing a perfect setup. Look at this place. It’s disgusting. I know you hate it here.”
    â€œNo, I don’t” came the defiant response.
    â€œOh, so that’s why you ran away a couple of times. And now this basically nice guy shows up, a guy who is, by the way, your father. He just found out about you and he wants to take care of you. Instead of saying thanks or even hi, you call him a bastard and run out of the room. Like I said, not really bright. I guess you want to go to that state home, huh?”
    Anastasia rolled over and glared at her. “No, I don’t. I won’t go there. I swear, I’ll die first.”
    Sabrina shrugged. “You want to stay with Mrs. Sellis?”
    Anastasia wiped the tears from her face. The moisture smeared the dirt there. “She hates me. She only wants the money the government sends.” Full lips trembled. “I want to go home.”
    Sabrina’s chest tightened. She knew exactly what the girl meant. She wanted her old life back—the one where her adoptive parents were still alive and she was allowed to live in blissful ignorance about the tragedies of life.
    â€œI know,” Sabrina told her. “Unfortunately, no one canmake that happen. But living with your dad might not be so bad. You could at least try it.”
    Anastasia glared at her. “Who are you? His wife?”
    It was the second time that day she’d been asked the question. “No, I work for him.”
    â€œOh, the secretary.” The dismissal was clear.
    â€œNo, the personal assistant. I’m the one who makes his life run smoothly. If you’re smart, you’ll realize I’ll have the same power over your life. I’m not so bad, kid. I have two sisters and a brother, all three younger than me, so I’m on to you. You can’t scam me. I know this isn’t going to mean anything now, but I’m more than willing to be your friend.” She held up her hand. “Don’t say something you’re going to regret later.”
    Anastasia just glared.
    Sabrina smiled brightly. “So what’s it going to be? You want to throw a tantrum or two and stay here? I think Mrs. Sellis is serious about sending you away. Or you can take a chance on your dad and come along. Houston is kinda hot in the summer, but it’s nice.” She looked around the room. “Nicer than here. With a little luck you might be happy there.”
    â€œIf I was lucky, I would still have my parents.” Anastasia sat up. “Why does he care about what happens to me?”
    Sabrina assumed the “he” in question was Cal. “Because he’s your father. He wants to take responsibility for you.