Instead of answering his question, she went to him and pressed her front against his back, her arms circling his torso.
It took a long moment for her to finally hear him exhale and relax in her embrace. He put his cup down and put his rough hand over hers.
“I’m sorry if I scared you, Malco. I’m sorry about what happened with Kasten. When I walked in, I swear I was going to follow the plan, but when he dismissed me, I knew I had to push hard. It would be my only chance to get that proof I was looking for so we can move forward. I was planning to leave via the front door, but I didn’t think. I don’t have a death wish, honest. I just want to bring them down and save those kids. Please don’t be mad at me.”
Very slowly, he turned in her embrace, and once they faced each other, his face was much calmer, with a sad smile on his lips, reaching his dark eyes. “I’m not mad at you, mi alma.” His voice rasped at that powerful endearment. My soul wasn’t used lightly, and it caught her by surprise, stealing her breath as she listened to him. “I’m mad at myself, at my fucking leg. If I had my two legs, I would’ve been quicker. I would’ve arrived sooner and prevented this. I’m mad at myself for not being the protector you deserve. I’m the one who’s sorry, Frida.”
Undone, she took his head in her hands, solidly planting her gaze on his. “You’re a protector, the most selfless, dedicated, honorable man I know. A warrior in your own right, never doubt that. A foot or leg, missing or not, doesn’t make the man. And I wouldn’t trust any other man as much as I trust you. I’m falling for you, Malco.”
The words were said before she could think about them, but that didn’t make them any less true. Only surprising.
She could feel herself blushing, but she didn’t look away, embracing the feeling that was so new. Men had led her entire life, surviving them, fighting with them, proving herself among them.
Malco Aguilar had been the very first with whom she could be herself on an equal footing.
The man before her stayed silent for so long, Frida felt doubt creeping in. Maybe he didn’t feel the same; maybe she assumed too much of the connection she felt.
As she was about to apologize, her words were swallowed by Malco’s mouth. The kiss went from sweet to sultry in a second, his arms tightening hard around her as if he wanted to fuse their bodies together.
Lungs burning from lack of air, but not minding it one bit, Frida leaned into him until he finally let her take a breath.
“I’m falling for you too, babe.”
As simple as that, everything was out in the open now. He put his forehead against hers, staying silent for a moment. The moment was perfection until Malco kissed her temple. “You have a way of turning a man’s heart inside out.”
“Only yours.”
His rare smile melted her heart. “As much as I would like to say those words, again and again, naked, we have more serious matters to attend. Raincheck?”
“Raincheck.”
Frida reluctantly stepped away to get her coffee cup and refill it. While she did, Malco didn’t touch her but remained close.
“So, before you were interrupted, what were you thinking about?”
Of course, he wouldn’t let that pass.
“I thought that maybe we should adopt a new tactic.”
Malco took her hand and led her back to the couch, sitting beside her, his leg touching her knee. That simple contact bolstered her courage to continue.
“On one side, we have corrupt cops and a corrupt DA. On the other, the Blood Razors. And the kids are in the middle of the firefight, those still under Ward’s care and those now trapped in the gang. There’s no way the Agency can take down everyone on their own. We have to choose our battles and focus on what makes sense, especially since we don’t know who we can trust within the force.”
“I agree. We’re spread too thin as it is.”
Frida nodded. “I think we should focus on cleaning house, so later on, they can take care of the gangs themselves.”
Another nod, so she continued. “What I need to prosecute Kasten and Pool is proof. The link to the money is good, but I need more. And I need witnesses.”
“Let me guess, you’ve thought about that too.” There wasn’t sarcasm in his tone, only admiration.
“The kids from the center. Many of them were probably taken against their will. What if we get them back?”
Malco frowned. “What do you mean? Pluck them out of the gangs?”
“I would’ve said kidnap, but we can use whatever word you wish.”
“Who are you, and what have you done to straight-arrow Frida Montalvo?”
“I know, you’ve corrupted me, but hear me out. If we try to reach them, the gang is bound to know. If we get them out of there and promise them protection, maybe even a new life, we’ll have solid witnesses.”
“Are you thinking about Tycen? He may have some information, but he’s certainly not high enough on the food chain to know anything worthwhile.”
“I agree. I was thinking of a riskier gamble. One on love.”
Malco put his mug down. “Love?”
Frida swallowed hard. “I want to take a risk on JaKheel, Danie’s boyfriend. What if he really loves her and he learns she’s pregnant with his child? If he stays part of the gang, Danie will become a liability. If we offer them a new identity, a new chance at life? The Agency has the power to make them disappear after the trial. Once we cut all ties between what Kasten and Pool are brewing with the gang, Bullet won’t need so many kids and will leave them alone. And if the police returned in force, he’d have other things to concentrate on
