An Outback Affair/Runaway Wife/Outback Bridegroom/Outback Surrender/Home To Eden by Margaret Way Page A

first bitter taste of something near jealousy. He hated it.
    Her beautiful clear eyes became shuttered. “He told me he loved me. He swore it time after time.”
    â€œIt sounds more like he terrorized you.” His voice was grim.
    Laura shook her head, not ready to tell anyone outside Sarah, another woman, what she had suffered at Evan’s hands. “I just fell out of love with him.” She took a quick sip of her coffee, swallowed it.
    â€œAre you sure of that?”
    â€œHaven’t I come here to escape?”
    â€œObviously he has a powerful hold on you?”
    â€œYes.” No point in lying.
    â€œLaura, I’m sorry.”
    She couldn’t fail to recognize his sincerity. “I’m sorry too. But it’s my own fault. I was the easiest target.” She wondered what he would ask next.
    â€œYou know, you’re the one who has to decide you need help. Or do you want to deliver yourself back to him.”
    â€œGod, no!” She couldn’t stop the shudder. “What an unbearable thought. But he won’t let go.” In fact I’m certain he’s already begun looking, she thought.
    â€œThat might well be the case with you?” he watched her face. “You can’t let go either.”
    â€œThat’s not right, Evan,” she said, very quietly, her soft lovely features firming with resolve.
    â€œThen help is at hand, Laura. All you have to do is want it.”
    â€œYou have no use for weak people, do you?” She lifted her head.
    â€œI don’t regard you as weak. Whatever makes you think that?”
    â€œI’m not a woman of substance.” She fought against sudden tears.
    â€œI’d like to be—I’m going to be—a woman of substance, like Sarah,” she said.
    â€œSarah has had her troubles, I’m sure. And they’ve lefttheir mark on her. As my bad experiences have left an indelible mark on me. You’re younger than either of us. One doesn’t know everything at twenty or twenty-three. That’s no age at all! One’s whole life is a process of learning. Obviously someone has gone out of their way to try to crush your spirit. After your father died you must have felt very much alone.”
    â€œI really needed him.” She forced her grip on her coffee cup to relax. “I don’t think I’ve felt safe for years. Certainly for a long time now the feeling of safety has eluded me.”
    â€œWhat drew you to your doctor, then?” he asked, using a quiet, soothing voice. “Why did you fall in love with him?”
    She put a hand beneath her satin hair. “He’s very handsome. Nothing like you.”
    â€œThank you.” His mouth turned down.
    â€œI mean he’s an entirely different type. Golden-haired. Azure blue eyes. Cold, cold, cold. Nowhere near as tall as you, or so powerfully built. He’s slim. Very elegant, in his way. He’s terribly interested in clothes. He wears only the best.”
    â€œThese are very superficial things, Laura,” he chided her.
    â€œYou asked. I’m trying to answer. He’s clever. He’s very highly regarded.”
    â€œWhat’s his speciality?”
    â€œI’m not saying. I’ve already told you too much. He’s very much admired.”
    â€œIt occurs to me you don’t admire him.” His deep voice was dry.
    â€œHe’s so clever he can be insufferable,” she burst out, then stopped abruptly. “That’s all I’m telling you, Evan.”
    â€œWell, it’s a start.” He continued to study her expressive face.
    â€œI don’t buy your cover either,” she countered. “I’m going to steal into your place one day…”
    â€œTo do what?” He narrowed his eyes at her.
    â€œSearch for clues. You could be an international spy. Are they still around?”
    â€œOf course they are,” he confirmed. “They’re all out