Page 18 of Rectify

“I am.” The words had left his mouth before he realized he’d made a decision. But his gut told him that Natalya was telling the truth, and he couldn’t turn her away. He’d loved her once. No matter how she had hurt him, her little boy shouldn’t pay the price.

“You always did have a soft spot for the underdog. I’m not kidding about this, Aedan. It’s dangerous. It would be damn stupid to get mixed up in this.”

“Which is why I can’t ask you to get involved. I’ll help Natalya.” It was the only option. The idea of letting her walk away . . . yeah, that wasn’t happening.

Rogan tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair. “I don’t like it.”

“I know. But I can’t let a little boy suffer just because I hate his mother.” Except that he didn’t truly hate her, and that was the problem. The sharp jolt of desire he’d experienced when he’d taken her hand in his was surprising. He hadn’t figured onstill being attracted to her. But it was just a physical attraction, nothing more.

“What are you going to do?” Rogan asked him.

Aedan rubbed his head. “I’ll contact an investigator. I’ll need some help to find Diego.” He’d need a bloody miracle, more like.

“Ifhe’s the one who took Mateo,” Rogan said. “I find it strange that he would leave them alone for a year and then suddenly grab the boy.”

Aedan didn’t get it either. If Mateo had been Aedan’s son, he’d never have allowed him out of his sight.

“I’ll talk to Natalya and then call around in the morning. You don’t mind if we stay the night?” Aedan asked, already knowing the answer.

Rogan just shrugged.

Although having him on his side would have been helpful, Aedan knew Rogan had to protect his people. Going up against a cartel lieutenant could well be suicide.

Which made him wonder what the hell he was doing.

After saying good night to Rogan, who was busy on his phone, Aedan left. He strode up the stairs and headed to his bedroom. He stayed so often that he had a regular room.

As he walked along the passage, he noticed Natalya sitting on the floor. She had her legs tucked up against her chest and was resting her head on her knees.

“Natalya? What are you doing?”

She stood, staring at him pensively. “Every time I lie down, I see Mateo crying for me. Trying to rest is pointless. I think I should just leave. Thank you for listening to me, and for what it’s worth, I genuinely am sorry for everything.”

She turned away. Getting involved was a stupid idea. Maybe he should just let her go, pretend she was never there.

But no matter what she’d done to him, her son shouldn’t pay the price.

“I’m going to help you.”

She froze but didn’t turn back. “What?”

“I’m going to help you find Mateo.”

Natalya turned. The stark relief on her drawn face almost had him reaching for her. But he hardened himself against the urge. Of course, she would apologize. She wanted his help. It didn’t make up for the way she’d betrayed him.

She wasn’t his anymore. She hadn’t been his for a long time. Rogan was right; they didn’t know this Natalya. As much as his instincts said she was telling the truth, he still had to be careful. He’d once thought she’d loved him, and he’d been wrong.

He had to be smart about this. No blindly trusting what she said. No letting his guard down.

“Thank you,” she whispered, reaching out. He stepped back before she could touch him. A flash of hurt crossed her face. “What are we going to do? Does Rogan know anyone who can help?”

“Rogan is staying out of this. He can’t afford to get involved.”

“Oh, but . . . ” her voice trailed off.

“What? My help isn’t good enough?” His old insecurities reared their head. “If you don’t want my help, fine. I’ll say goodbye now.” He turned to stride off. A hand on his arm stopped him.

“Please, I apologize. I need your help.”

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