Free Whatever It Takes by Dixie Lee Brown Page A

She owed him for that.
    A twinge of guilt made her chew her bottom lip. Joe watched over her like a big brother and, as annoying as that was, Alex was well aware he did it for her benefit. He, or any member of the team, would have stepped up to help Nate last night. The difference was she sometimes got stuck in the fuzzy world between her nightmarish past and reality, lost track of who the bad guys were, and didn’t know when to stop. Joe was clearly worried that, one day, no one would be there to call her back. It had taken her a long time and a lot of hard work with her shrink to earn this much of Joe’s trust.
    A knock sounded and Rayna cracked the door open. “Are you okay?”
    Alex forced a brief smile. “I’m fine. I just came to grab my bag.” And hide out in my room until I can pull myself together. Rayna’s eyebrows shot up, and Alex wondered if she’d said that last part out loud.
    “Do you want to talk about something?”
    Rayna knew her too well, and there were very few subjects they hadn’t already talked to death, together with Cara, Joe’s wife; Darcy, Walker’s fiancé; and Irene, Joe’s housekeeper. Alex loved all of them and appreciated their friendship. So why was it impossible for her to talk to Rayna about how Nate made her feel?
    “Thanks, Rayna, but I wouldn’t know where to start. I have to figure out some things on my own first.”
    Rayna’s eyes took on an amused sparkle. “I knew it.”
    Alex turned to face her, hands on hips, and dread in her gut. “What did you know, Rayna Dugan?”
    “You’ve got a thing for Nate.” Her words slid out in singsong fashion.
    Alex snorted. “I most definitely do not! The man is infuriating.”
    “Okay. Whatever you say, but you have to admit he’s pretty hot.” Rayna’s soft laughter eased Alex’s annoyance.
    Her laugh burst free as she tried to count all the ways that statement made no sense. “Hot doesn’t begin to excuse all of his other shortcomings.” She hooked her arm around Rayna’s waist. “Thanks. You’re insane, but I feel better.”
    “That’s what I’m here for.” Rayna hugged her back. “Get your things and I’ll see you downstairs.” She waved as she disappeared through the doorway.
    Alex grabbed her bag, made one more pass through the room, and headed back to the lower level. She met Jimmy coming up the stairs. His easy smile instantly brightened her mood. Besides the women in her life, Jimmy was her best friend. He hated to be called Jimmy, but he indulged her in that and so many other things.
    “Are you ready to go?” She paused with one foot on the first step.
    “Yep. Just need my duffel.” His gaze swept over her. “Are you going to be okay on this one? I could ask Joe to let me switch with Nate.”
    “Not necessary. I’ve got it handled.” Alex was surprised at how quickly she rejected his offer, and she was fairly certain it wasn’t because Rayna was right.
    Thankfully, Jimmy had another explanation. “Oh yeah. I forgot how dead set you are on doing everything the hard way.”
    Alex narrowed her eyes. “That’s right. Now get your chore done. You’re going to miss your ride.” She heard him mumble something as she turned and ran down the stairs.
    Nate was talking with Ty in the kitchen so she made a sharp right, hurried through the foyer, and slipped out the front door. She circled the house and jogged toward the chopper. Hoping for some time alone to think, she frowned when she caught sight of Joe in the cockpit already performing his preflight check. She stopped in front of the cargo bay, threw her satchel inside, and clambered aboard.
    Joe finished his preparations and came back to sit beside her. He was silent for a time before he spoke. “Nate’s a good man, Alex. You can trust him. For God’s sake, let go of your pride for once and listen to him. He’ll keep you safe.”
    “Who’s going to keep him safe?”
    Joe leaned his head back and sighed. “No doubt that will be you, but