Free Alejandro's Revenge by Anne Mather Page B

provocative comment he had made. She cupped her hot face between her palms, wondering why she’d agreed to come here. Where was Dolores? She’d never thought she’d be so eager to see her brother’s mother-in-law—but she was.
    â€˜I know he did not send for his so-protective older sister tosit beside his sickbed,’ responded Alejandro drily, and Abby gave a helpless little moan.
    â€˜Then you know more than me,’ she retorted, casting another glance towards the entrance. What was Dolores doing? How long did it take to try on a dress?
    â€˜You do not make a very convincing liar, cara ,’ murmured Alejandro, relieving her a little by leaning back in his seat. He unbuttoned the jacket of his charcoal suit and hooked a negligent arm over the back of his chair. ‘But we will not waste time arguing over your brother.’ Absurdly long lashes shaded his eyes as he baited her. ‘Tell me about yourself, Abigail. Or tell me why you are lunching with Dolores. I did not realise you were such close friends.’
    â€˜We’re not.’ The words were out before she could stop them, and she hurried to explain what she’d meant. ‘That is— Dolores took pity on me. She thought I’d prefer lunching with her rather than just—waiting around at the house for Edward. She’ll be here soon. She’ll probably tell you the same herself.’
    Alejandro frowned. ‘Waiting around for Edward?’ he said, immediately latching on to the anomaly. ‘And why was your brother neglecting you today?’
    Abby sighed. ‘He wasn’t there,’ she admitted reluctantly, not really wanting to confide in him. ‘He—er—he and Lauren had apparently gone out.’
    â€˜Gone out?’ Alejandro echoed her words again, and then made an apologetic gesture. ‘Forgive me, I thought he could not walk?’
    Abby blew out a breath. ‘He can’t. Not far, anyway.’
    Alejandro didn’t say anything and, realising she couldn’t avoid the inevitable, she said shortly. ‘Their apartment has been broken into, if you must know. They’ve gone to meet the police to assess the damage.’
    Alejandro looked less indolent now. ‘And when did this—break-in occur?’ he asked sharply, and Abby gave him an indignant look.
    â€˜Last night, I suppose.’ She pretended to be busy foldingher jacket over her lap. ‘Why?’ She paused, and then added provocatively, ‘Do you know anything about it?’
    She’d expected an angry denial, but his answer startled her. ‘Perhaps,’ he said, smoothing his hand over the pearl-grey silk tie which perfectly matched his shirt. ‘Perhaps.’
    Abby was glad of the distraction of watching that brown long-fingered hand as it moved caressingly against the pale fabric. She was sure if she looked into his eyes he’d see the accusation in hers. Nevertheless, she had to say something, and she was relieved to see the waiter heading towards them. ‘I think these are our drinks,’ she said, knowing she’d be glad of the refreshment. Her mouth felt suddenly as dry as snuff.
    The waiter delivered the two glasses of iced tea with a flourish and then turned to Alejandro to ask if he would like to see the menu.
    â€˜Mas tarde. Later.’ Alejandro inclined his head. ‘Gracias.’
    â€˜Gracias, señor.’
    The waiter bowed and left them and Abby immediately lifted her glass. The ice-cold liquid was both crisp and invigorating, and she closed her eyes for a moment, responding to its delightful flavour. She felt better already, she thought, opening her eyes again. Only to revise her opinion when she found Alejandro was watching her.
    â€˜You were thirsty,’ he remarked, and she almost jumped out of her skin when he leaned forward and wiped a drop of moisture from the corner of her mouth with his thumb. She was even more disturbed when