Page 27 of Born a Queen

Diane seem taken aback by Raina's vehemence. Raina was usually pretty even-tempered. She would always stand up for herself if she thought there was a need, but she rarely snapped at anyone. Mateo brought the worst out in her.

"We know he's dangerous, dear," Diane said dryly, as though Raina was speaking the obvious. Diane and Joe knew exactly who Mateo was and the organization that he was affiliated with. They’d been involved in a similar scene in Miami before adopting Raina and moving to Pennsylvania. "But I won't pretend that I'm not grateful to him for ensuring your safety and for keeping us updated. If it weren't for that we would've been out of our minds with worry."

Raina's annoyance melted away and she reached out to take Diane's hand. "I'm sorry, mom. I should've called. But I thought I was being watched; I didn't think I could be in contact with anyone without them picking me up. Now I know it wasn't necessary."

Diane waved her hand in front of them as if the waving away Raina's words. "You have nothing to be sorry for. From the moment you were taken and reunited with your mother, things were out of your hands. We've always loved you and that will never change. You were doing what you thought was best."

Raina's eyes misted over. Her parents were the definition of unconditional love. It didn't matter what she did, how badly she screwed up, they would never blame her. Which is why she felt so protective of them. People who could think, feel and act the way Joe and Diane did were rare in her opinion and she would do whatever it took to protect the love that the three of them had for each other.

They carried Raina’s things into the farmhouse, dumping the suitcases by the door. Joe would carry them to Raina's old bedroom later, after the three of them had a good visit and maybe watched some TV. Now that Raina realized the extent of Mateo’s relationship with her parents, she knew that he wouldn’t be far behind.

She didn't know what he intended to do with her after that; whether he'd allow her to have her visit or drag her straight back to Venezuela. So, she would have to make the most of her time with her family and friends. She was done running. This was it. Her standoff on her home ground.

"What's for supper?" she asked happily following her mom through the front entrance and into the kitchen.

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