Free Alejandro by K. Victoria Chase

die.”
    “No.” Audrey shook her head. “I’m not saying that. But she had a responsibility to guard her son’s life and she fulfilled it.” Audrey glanced down at her trembling hands. “Now he’s my responsibility.”
    Oh, how those words frightened her. The last child she cared for ran away from home, got mixed up with drug runners, and died a horrible death. Did Penny make the right choice? Choosing her to raise Angel? What if he, too, ended up hating her and leaving home? How could she live with herself if she failed again?
    “Both of you are my responsibility.”
    Audrey’s eyes snapped to his. Unyielding determination warmed her to her core.
    Crossing the room in long strides, Ale stood on the opposite end of the lounge chair. “Martin Alba is my fugitive. Trujillo’s Repair is my operation. Lana was my source.” His hard gaze wavered slightly, his features softening into despondency. “Your sister was my responsibility. Her blood is on my hands.” A granite fist slammed into his chest. “Mine.”
    Audrey’s breath hitched. Compassion surged through her, sending her from behind the lounge to grasp the hand tunneling into his chest. Taking it between her own, she shook her head vigorously. “Please don’t blame yourself,” she whispered fiercely, her eyes clinging to his.
    “Audrey—”
    “No! It wasn’t your fault. I don’t blame you,” she pressed, hoping he believed the words as much as she did.
    He turned his head away, as if unable to accept her clemency. He was judge and jury and he’d found himself guilty. If he sought punishment, she wouldn’t give it.
    “I blame Trujillo,” she continued. “He’s the one who killed my sister.”
    Still unable to look at her, Ale spoke. “I asked Lana…” His soft voice faded.
    “And I’m happy she turned out to be someone who was willing to sacrifice herself for someone else. Believe me, when she left home, she was nothing more than selfish.”
    Ale pulled his hand from her gentle kneading and backed away. Finally, his eyes rested on her, but the emotion she’d witnessed earlier in them had vanished. He was cool, composed, and professional. “I meant what I said.” He put his hands to his hips. “You and the kid are my responsibility. Until we shut down Trujillo’s operation, you and the boy will remain here where I can keep you safe.”
    No discussion.
    No vote.
    No argument.

 
     
    Chapter Five
     
     
    YOU’VE got to keep your hands off her .
    Ale worked the wrench, tightening a bolt in an engine compartment holding a package of pure grade cocaine bound for Monterrey. As planned, this shipment would be stopped at the border by Border Patrol and DEA agents. Ale gave one last tug and jerked the instrument free.
    Keep holding her, keep offering a shoulder to cry on, and you’ll want to give her something more .
    Unable to shut his eyes and sleep, Ale had returned to the garage late last night. The building had been dark — he’d missed his chance at questioning Carlos, the transplant from Guadalajara. Ale had driven back to the safe house, hoping to find Audrey still awake, but she’d been fast asleep in bed next to the kid. Another sleepless night; his mind had lingered on the beauty across the hall from his room.
    “José!” Ale called over one of Trujillo’s most loyal and longtime drug runners. “This one is ready for transport.” The hood closed with a slam. Ale gave it one final tap. José nodded, taking the keys Ale handed him to place with the legitimate paperwork in the front office for a trusted driver.
    Even with the workday in full swing, Ale was completely distracted. He couldn’t get involved — not with Audrey. She was grieving the loss of her sister, who was intimately connected with his investigation. He could just… No. It would be a breach of protocol. If the temptation became too great, he’d call Ruby. A numbing encounter with a willing woman was an acceptable alternative. The only alternative.