Page 20 of Rectify

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Natalya dreaded walking into the kitchen the following morning. She stood on the other side of the door, unable to force her feet to move. Having Aedan stare at her so indifferently . . . it was painful.

But it was what she deserved.

Being so close to him last night had been sweet torture. She’d nearly begged him to hold her for just a few minutes. She’d lain in bed and counted the hours until the rest of the household would wake up. They’d been wasted hours. Time she could have spent looking for Mateo. But what could she do? She had no idea where to go to try and find him.

It all felt so hopeless.

She could return to her hometown, Matamoros. But that would be a foolish move. If Diego had taken Mateo, the cartel would be on the lookout for her. They protected their own.

Besides, Carla swore that Diego wasn’t there. Unless Carla was lying.

She just didn’t know who to trust anymore.

“You okay, ma’am?” a deep voice asked from behind her.

Natalya jumped, turning to see the large man who’d escorted her in last night. With a slight Scottish accent, reddish-blond hair, and broad shoulders, she could easily imagine women falling all over him.

“I’m Colm. We met last night. Are you okay? Can I get you something?” he asked in a surprisingly soft voice.

“Oh, umm, sorry. I’m fine. Please, call me Natalya.”

He raised his eyebrows. “You’ve been standing here for the last ten minutes just staring at the door.”

“Have I? Right, sorry. I must seem like an idiot.”

His gaze softened a little. “I heard about your wee bairn.”

“My what?”

A flicker of annoyance crossed his face, and he ran his hand down his face. “Sorry, I haven’t had much sleep. Your son. I heard he’s been taken by his father. We’ll get him back for you.”

She wished she had his confidence. The more time that passed, the more despondent she grew. What if she never found him?

“You work for Rogan, right?” she asked.

“Yep.” His face closed up, the glimpse of warmth disappearing.

“I don’t think he’s getting involved.”

“You’d be surprised what Rogan can do without getting involved,” he said cryptically. His phone beeped, and he glanced at it. “Excuse me, I have to go.”

The door to the kitchen opened and Aedan appeared.

“There you are. I was coming to wake you.” He frowned. “Did you sleep at all?”

Natayla shrugged. He didn’t need to hear her problems. She was utterly exhausted, but how the hell was she supposed to sleep? She clenched her jaw together to stop herself from snapping at him.

“I’m fine.”

“Whatever. Come through to the kitchen. Rogan’s got breakfast ready.”

Rogan cooked? Somehow, it didn’t seem in keeping with his image as a dangerous gang leader. She followed Aedan into the large eat-in kitchen to find Rogan plating up huge meals of fried eggs, ham, and toast.

Aedan gestured over to the breakfast bar. “Have a seat. I’ll get you a cup of coffee.”

“Thank you,” she replied, although the smell of food made her nauseous. Rogan and Aedan chatted as they sat and started eating. Natalya just moved her food around on the plate. Why waste time eating? She needed to do something anything.

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