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“Why not?”

“A representation of a spirit crushed,” I said in a half whisper.

He nodded. “Yes. Before you ask, no one important. It was a long time ago.”

“We all have secrets including those of desire. What about my clinic?”

How many times had I asked the same question?

Alejandro swallowed the taste and leaned against the counter. “I tell you what. We’ll plan on heading to White Plains the end of next week and spend a couple of days. By then we’ll know what to do.”

Why did I have the feeling he was just telling me that to get me off his back? Why not accept it at this point. What choice did I have? “Fine, but I’ll hold you to it.”

“I’m sure you will and would expect no less.” He glanced out the window, waiting until I’d placed the pan in the oven, setting the timer. “I have something for you.”

“Something? Another gift.”

“Not exactly.” He pulled a handgun from behind his back. “I want you to have this. I can teach you the basics about firing a shot. I’ll spend more time training you this weekend.”

I took it from his hand, giving him a nasty look. “As I’ve told you before, you underestimate me. I was taught how to shoot years ago.”

“Have you been required to fire a weapon in the last… ten years?”

He cocked that handsome head of his. Damn the man. “Well, no, but that doesn’t mean anything. It’s like riding a bike. Right?” I turned the weapon over and a cold chill rushed down my spine. I’d never thought I’d need to fire off a weapon again.

“Yes and no. Practice keeps you and others safe.”

“I get it, Alejandro. Why give this to me? You have two men watching at all times.”

“Because two men might not be enough and I won’t be here every minute of the day. You need to have an ability to keep you and Gabriel safe.”

I felt the weight of the danger we were in more than I had before. “Understood.”

“I hope you really do understand. I don’t want you hurt.”

He acted so sincere. I wanted more than anything to believe him. I just… “I don’t plan on allowing that to happen.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He glanced toward the oven. “When will the brownies be ready?”

“Twenty minutes. You’ll need to wait. Something you’re not good at.”

He laughed. “You’re right. Maybe you do know me.”

There was a slight hitch in his voice, a strange look in his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong. At least nothing new. Do you have your phone?”

“Yeah, why?” I didn’t hand it to him right away.

His eyes flashed as he held out his hand. “Trust me.”

“You know that’s difficult for me.”

“I’m not your enemy.”

“And you’re not my friend.”

Sighing, he dropped his arm, but didn’t move away. “I accept that. Hopefully, that will change in the future.”