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they did, and she had the ability to hurt people who cared about her.
She left Maddie s home and thought about that nearly unbelievable truth all the way home.
sha visited Max the next morning, hoping he wasn t working because it was a Saturday
She parked her car in front of his house, and hesitantly approached the security at his
front gate, pulling her driver s license out of her purse.
A
 Go on in, the burly security agent told her when she handed him her license.  We ve been
instructed by Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton that you re to be admitted immediately any time you visit.
You re family. All of us will recognize your face eventually, the guard continued, flashing a shy
smile at her as she passed through the gate.
I m family. I really do have a sister and a brother.
Asha smiled back at the man, still trying to wrap her head around his comment. Would she ever
get used to being related to Maddie and Max?
 Looks like your tire is almost flat, Ms. Paritala, the guard called to her from the gate as she
made her way up to the house.
Waving to acknowledge that she heard the guard, she made a note to ask Max if he had anyone
who could help her change her tire. She d known the vehicle needed new tires, but she hadn t gotten
replacements put on yet. The price had been right on the small, used compact, even with necessity of
buying new tires.
Max lived right on the beach, the sound of the waves and the smell of salt water assaulting her
senses. She d actually never been inside his residence, but she had passed by the area before with
Kade, and he had pointed out Max s place. It was hard to believe any member of her family lived in
such an opulent residence.
Maybe visiting Max and Maddie so close together had been a bad idea. Just seeing how
successful her siblings were two days in a row was intimidating. But she really needed to see Max.
After seeing how upset Maddie was that she hadn t contacted her, she wanted to make sure she saw
Max, too.
Asha hit the doorbell with a sigh, trying to compartmentalize her thoughts, trying to think of Max
as her brother instead of as a billionaire. Strange, but she had never really been intimidated by
Kade s billionaire status.
Probably because I was too busy admiring his other assets!
Kade overwhelmed her as a man, so his wealth had never really been something she concerned
herself with that often. He had kept her too dizzy with pleasure and desire to think about his money or
status.
 Asha, Mia said in a surprised but happy voice as she pulled open the door, a fleeting
expression of worry crossing her face before it turned into a genuine smile. She pulled her into an
enthusiastic hug on the doorstep, holding Asha tightly as she added,  We were worried about you.
Asha hugged Mia back, loving the comforting feeling of her embrace.  I m sorry. I got myself a
place. A little apartment, she said, trying to make everything sound like she was doing well.
Mia pulled back and smiled at her.  I know. Max kept tabs on you. We knew you were safe.
 You knew where I was? she asked, entering the house as Mia held the door open for her.
 Of course. You didn t think Max would let his sister disappear and not know where she was
living, did you? But I m glad you came. He s been worried about you.
 How did he find out where I was living? Really, her brother s capabilities and power were a
little bit scary.
Mia lifted a brow at her.  He found you when he didn t know anything about you. It was easier
this time.
Asha supposed she should be upset that her brother was spying on her, but he had been looking
out for her, worried about her. And she hadn t contacted him. She couldn t possibly chastise him for
caring.  I was going to contact you. I wanted to. I just needed some time.
 Maddie called me last night. I understand, Mia told Asha reassuringly.  Are you okay?
She nodded at her slowly.  Yeah. I m good. My business is really busy and I enrolled in some art
classes.
Asha stopped in the doorway of the den Mia was leading her toward, hearing voices that sounded
familiar.  You have company? she asked Mia, concerned that she d interrupted a visit from someone
else.
She could hear Max s furious voice, but couldn t make out exactly what he was saying.
 Asha& your foster parents are here, Mia answered, sounding tense and frustrated.
That was why the tone of the voices had sounded familiar.  W-why? she stammered.  Why
would they come here?
 They re looking for you, Mia answered bluntly.  Somehow they got the news in California that
you re a sibling to Max and Maddie. They wanted to talk to you. I think Max is ripping them a new
asshole right now.
Asha s world tilted and rocked for just a moment before becoming upright again. For just a few
moments, she was an adolescent again, terrified of displeasing her foster parents, and losing the only
home she had.  Is my ex-husband with them?
 No. If he was, he wouldn t still be able to speak. Max would have killed him by now, Mia said
fiercely.  Max let your foster parents in just so he could tell them what he thought about the way they
fostered you. They ll be shown out shortly.
Mia wrapped her arms around her midsection, rocking a little in distress.  I don t know what they
want from me, she answered, her voice radiating with vulnerability.
 Nothing good, Mia replied, waving Asha into the den.
Asha knew this was a pivotal moment for her, a short period of time where she could take the
easy way out by avoiding her foster parents, or confront her demons. She could run and hide& or deal
with them herself. She wasn t a child anymore& she was an adult. Really, it wasn t something that
Max should have to contend with and he didn t need to.
 I ll talk to them, she told Mia, looking into her sister-in-law s concerned face with a
determined expression.  I don t need to be afraid of them anymore and I don t need to be obedient. I
want them out of your house and gone, and I don t want them to bother you and Max again.
She turned on her heel and followed the voices, which wasn t difficult since Max was bellowing
at the top of his lungs.  Are you fucking kidding me? It wasn t Asha who complained; it was me.
Neither one of you is fit to be a foster parent and you ll never foster another child.
Asha stopped in the entryway to the living room, stunned. Max had filed a complaint? On her
behalf?
Mia stopped her with a hand on her shoulder, whispering next to her ear.  It wasn t just you,
Asha. After you left, they took in another foster child of around ten years old. They re getting ready to
marry her off to another one of their relatives in India for a very hefty price. And they just applied
for another one. Another female. Max blocked their application with a complaint. This might get
unpleasant.
 They did it again? Asha asked incredulously, anger rising up from her belly, anger for the girl [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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