Diana Palmer - Tangled Destinies

Passion and danger collide in a breathless story from New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer.

Saved from an abduction and unthinkable harm, Gabrielle Bennett owed her life to her rescuer. Marc Stephano, a stranger from the sketchy shadows of town, could’ve asked for money. Instead he introduced her to desire and claimed her completely—then he broke her heart.

Older, wiser and now a top New York model, Gabrielle is prepared for anything—except Marc’s reemergence into her life. It’s a merciless trick of fate. A successful, self-made millionaire, he’s as powerful as ever, but can Gabrielle forgive and forget—in the name of love?

Praise for the novels of New York Times bestselling author DIANA PALMER

“Diana Palmer is a mesmerizing storyteller who captures the essence of what a romance should be.”

—Affaire de Coeur

“Palmer returns with a splendid Western contemporary novel filled with passion, heartache and small-town life. The story serves as a reminder that life will provide second chances; we just need to be brave enough to hold on to them.”

—RT Book Reviews on Wyoming Brave (Top Pick)

“Readers will be moved by this tale of revenge and justice, grief and healing.”

—Booklist on Dangerous

“Diana Palmer is one of those authors whose books are always enjoyable. She throws in romance, suspense and a good story line.”

—The Romance Reader on Before Sunrise

“Lots of passion, thrills, and plenty of suspense...Protector is a top-notch read!”

—Romance Reviews Today

“A delightful romance with interesting new characters and many familiar faces.”

—RT Book Reviews on Wyoming Tough

Tangled Destinies

Diana Palmer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Passion and danger collide in a breathless story from New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer. Saved from an abduction and unthinkable harm, Gabrielle Bennett owed her life to her rescuer. Marc Stephano, a stranger from the sketchy shadows of town, could’ve asked for money. Instead he introduced her to desire and claimed her completely—then he broke her heart. Older, wiser and now a top New York model, Gabrielle is prepared for anything—except Marc’s reemergence into her life. It’s a merciless trick of fate. A successful, self-made millionaire, he’s as powerful as ever, but can Gabrielle forgive and forget—in the name of love?

Praise Praise for the novels of New York Times bestselling author DIANA PALMER “Diana Palmer is a mesmerizing storyteller who captures the essence of what a romance should be.” —Affaire de Coeur “Palmer returns with a splendid Western contemporary novel filled with passion, heartache and small-town life. The story serves as a reminder that life will provide second chances; we just need to be brave enough to hold on to them.” —RT Book Reviews on Wyoming Brave (Top Pick) “Readers will be moved by this tale of revenge and justice, grief and healing.” —Booklist on Dangerous “Diana Palmer is one of those authors whose books are always enjoyable. She throws in romance, suspense and a good story line.” —The Romance Reader on Before Sunrise “Lots of passion, thrills, and plenty of suspense...Protector is a top-notch read!” —Romance Reviews Today “A delightful romance with interesting new characters and many familiar faces.” —RT Book Reviews on Wyoming Tough

Title Page Tangled Destinies Diana Palmer www.millsandboon.co.uk

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Extract

Copyright

PROLOGUE

SHE KNEW SOMEONE was following her. Icy dread numbed her throat. It was almost dark, and it didn’t help to know that her own stupidity had put her in this particular neighborhood as darkness fell over New York City. She could have waited for the bus, but she’d been too impatient. It was spring, and the few trees along the streets were just budding. She hadn’t thought what a long walk it would be from her piano teacher’s home to her own.

Her auburn hair blew in wavy strands around her thin face, and her big green eyes swept restlessly along the deserted street. There wasn’t a single person in sight. Clutching her cashmere sweater closer around her thin shoulders, she bit on her lower lip. She crushed her leather purse and sheet music against her small bosom as she held on to them like a life preserver. Stupid, she told herself. Stupid girl, wearing clothes that shouted money, walking through a neighborhood where you could be mugged for a dollar bill. Behind her, the footsteps suddenly grew quicker, more determined.

There were two sets of footsteps, Gaby realized suddenly as a feeling of panic came over her—one heavy, one lighter. She glanced nervously behind her as she turned the corner and quickly looked away again, her heart racing torturously. She’d caught a glimpse of them then, both ragged and greasy and mean-looking. Ahead were only alleys and dark buildings. She quickened her pace and noticed a garage a little farther down the street. If only it was still open.

She started toward it, but the footsteps were closer. They must be running, she thought. Would she be able to make it?

“No!” she cried, but it was too late. They reached her just as she was passing one of the alleys. The taller one caught her arm, and the shorter one tugged at her bag, sending her sheet music flying in all directions.

She held on to her purse with all her strength and tried to scream, but almost before she could utter a sound, one of them shoved her toward the alley, ignoring her furious attempts to fight back. If only she hadn’t been wearing silly flat rubber-soled boots! She’d have given anything for spiked heels.

“Don’t touch me!” she raged at them. Her hair came loose and flew around her shoulders as she struggled.

“Shut up, Red,” the taller one laughed, holding her by the shoulders. “Get it, Terry!”

“Let go,” the short one growled, tugging at the purse. “Come on, baby, you got all kinds of money, ain’t you never heard of sharing?”

“Yeah, we ain’t all rich, you know,” the tall one mumbled.

“Whew!” The heavyset boy whistled as he studied the contents of her bag. “Five big ones.” He held up the ten-dollar bills in his fist. “Not bad,” he grumbled, digging further.

Gaby was terrified. She didn’t care much about the money but wasn’t sure what would happen next. She’d never felt so alone or helpless. Tears stung her eyes when she saw one of the boys grin at her lecherously. She backed away, preparing to defend herself from them, knowing exactly what was on their minds, but she tripped on something and fell heavily to the ground. She felt her back hit the hard concrete, saw them looming over her, felt hands at her blouse.

“What’s going on here?” an unexpected deep voice demanded from the end of the blind alley.

The boys jerked up, staring toward the light. The figure blocking it looked massive, even at that distance. Very dark, wearing a white T-shirt and tight slacks that showed every bulging muscle. Even at this distance Gaby could see crisp, straight black hair and eyes so big and black that they de-emphasized the formidable straight nose, square jaw, and leonine quality of the rough face.