Page 100 of Ridin' True

I straightened as I turned in the direction of Isabella’s voice. She was standing in the open doorway with her hands on her hips.

“Honestly, I thought I was the fun one,” she called out with a shake of her head.

“Guess that’s our cue,” I said softly before moving to dismount the Harley.

Jed followed my lead, cutting across the lawn toward the house. Bella didn’t move as we approached but threw her arms around me as soon as I was in reaching distance.

“I don’t know what’s going on with you,hermana, but it’s good to see you,” she whispered. “Mami refuses to stay away from the news, and it’s not been the least bit reassuring.”

“Thanks for the warning,” I replied with a squeeze.

She pulled away, but only enough to look me in the eye before she added, “Also, Alejo’s clear-eyed but jittery as hell.”

“Anything else?” I asked, curious if we’d ever cross the threshold.

Bella grinned. “I hope you’re hungry. Mami made all your favorites. And I do meanallof them.”

I laughed, pleased to have an excuse to do so, then took my sister by the shoulders, encouraging her to turn and head inside. As soon as we stepped foot into the main room, I could smell dinner. For the first time in twenty-four hours, I actually felt hungry, and I was looking forward to eating a little of everything.

Then I saw him.

Alejandro.

He stood at the mouth of the kitchen, his head bowed as he squeezed the back of his neck anxiously. His gaze drifted between Jed and me a few times before he settled his attention on me.

“Hey, you,” he murmured.

At first, I didn’t say anything in response. I’d been through so much since that first kidnapping, it almost felt like nothing by comparison. Except, it wasn’t nothing. The way he’d used me wasn’t something I could forget—and while I wanted to forgive him, I knew our relationship wasn’t going to heal in a single night.

But I didwantit to heal, which meant I had to meet him halfway.

I forced a small smile and replied, “Hey, you.”

Instantly, his shoulders relaxed, and he dropped his hand, standing a little straighter. His eyes shifted toward Jed again. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and folded his arms across his chest before looking down at his feet.

“Alejo—you remember Jed, don’t you?” I challenged.

He glanced up, but only for a second, his eyes pointed toward his feet as he answered, “Yeah. Hey.”

Jed didn’t return his cowardly greeting, and I didn’t blame him.

“Wait, you two have met?” asked Bella. “When? I just barely found out about him.”

“Alexia?” called mami, inadvertently saving Alejandro as she brushed past him, headed straight for me. “Oh, thank God,” she breathed, pulling me into her arms. “I cannot believe this. I truly cannot believe this. Have you seen the news,hija? The man who shot at you is still out there.”

“Yes, I know.” I hugged her tight, just as much for me as for her. “But I’m safe, mami. I promise. They’ll find him.”

“I just don’t understand—” She started and then stopped as she pulled away from me, clearly noticing Jed for the first time. “Oh. Hello,” she breathed, taking a step back.

I watched as she took him in. She then frowned at me, as if to silently express he wasn’t at all what she was expecting.

“Mami, this is Jed.”

“Mrs. Torres, it’s nice to meet you,” he said, extending his hand in offering.

Hesitantly, she placed her hand in his and hummed, “Mmhmm.” She then looked to me and insisted, “Alexia—a word, please.”

She turned toward the kitchen, and I stifled a sigh. Reaching for Jed, I traced my fingers across his tatted forearm and whispered, “Sorry. I’ll be right back.”