He walks to where I’m standing. “Where is he?”
“I don’t know.” Pushing past him, I start for my bed.
“You’re lying.” He catches my arm, hazel eyes flashing. “Stop protecting him. He almost killed your brother.”
“Let me go, Mateo.” My voice is firm. “Beto came at him with the gun. It was an accident.”
“This does not go unanswered. I’m in charge until your brother’s back on his feet.” His grip relaxes, and I jerk my arm away, going to my dresser and pulling out leggings and a tunic top.
“I have to get to work.”
“You tell me if you hear from him.”
Yeah, right. I scoop the burner phone off my bed, hiding it with my clothes as I return to the bathroom and close the door. Dressing quickly, I dust some powder on my nose. I can’t hide my red eyes. My heart is beating fast, and I’m ready to get out of this house.
I missed my ride with Rosalía, so I take the keys from the rack in the kitchen to the silver MINI Cooper I’ve never driven. I hate to drive, but this car feels solid, and it goes fast. Two things I want right now.
Parking on the street in front of Winnie’s house, I jog to the side entrance and go straight to the room where I paint. As usual, she’s there reading, and when I walk in, she narrows her eyes.
“You didn’t arrive with Rosalía today. I hope that isn’t a sign of things to come.”
Looking around the room, I try to figure out a nonchalant way to ask if Deacon is here. “I wasn’t sure if I should come early… with your family in town.”
“Family?” Her brow furrows.
“Your nephew? Isn’t he staying with you?”
“Deacon? Goodness no. Why would you think that?” She shakes her head.
“He was here last night, so I just assumed he was staying with you.”
“Deacon has a penthouse apartment downtown. He was on his way out when you arrived last night.”
My bottom lip goes between my teeth, and my heart sinks. “So he’s not here?”
“No… not that it has anything to do with you.” She stands and crosses the room to me, brow arched. “Have you been crying?”
Clearing my throat, I turn my face away. “My older brother had an accident last night. He’s in the hospital.”
She’s quiet, studying me, and I go to the canvas, not really in the mood to paint. I want to collapse in a heap and cry. My stomach is in knots, and all I can think is Mateo out there waiting with a gun. I can’t possibly paint.
“If you’re not feeling well today, I think you can take a long weekend.”
My eyes widen, and I glance over my shoulder. “You’re giving me the day off?”
She turns, strolling to the chair and picking up her book. “I understand family obligations. Just don’t make it a habit.” That last bit is sharp, but I don’t give a shit.
“Thank you.” I grab my bag and hurry out to my car, taking the iPhone Beto bought me out of my bag.
I suspect he uses it to keep tabs on me, but with him in the hospital, that’s out the window. I don’t know how to drive downtown, and this phone has a map application on it. I’m typing in the name of Deacon’s penthouse tower when the burner starts buzzing in my purse.
Tossing the iPhone aside, I dig in my bag. The face says unknown number, but I don’t let it stop me. “Hello?” My voice is breathless.
“Hi, ahh… Is this Angel?” The male voice sounds a little familiar, and only one person calls me Angel.
“Yes! Are you with Deacon?”
“Hey, this is Richland Wells. I’m a friend of Deacon’s.”
“Rich! Yes, I remember.” My heart is beating so fast. If he’s been in an accident…
“How’s your brother?”
I put my hand over my nose to stop the tears. “He’s going to be okay. They’re keeping him a few days, but he’s going to recover.” The guy makes a noise of relief, and I can’t take it anymore. “I’m sorry, are you with Deacon? Please, can I speak to him?”
“You want to speak to him?” It sounds like he’s talking to me and someone else.
“Yes! Of course, I do. Is he there?”
A bit of shuffling, muffled voices. He thought I didn’t want to speak to him? How could he think that?
“Angel?” The warm male voice in my ear causes my heart to melt.
“Deacon?” My breath hiccups, and I can’t stop the fresh tears. “Oh, Deacon…”
“Don’t cry, beautiful.” His voice breaks. “Your brother’s okay?”
Nodding, I sniff before answering. “The doctor said he’s going to make a full recovery.”
“Thank God.” Deacon exhales heavily. “I’m sorry, Angel. I fucked up everything.”
“Where are you? I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m in El Paso with Rich. I asked him to do something for me… I came to help him, then I’ll turn myself in.”
My voice goes high. “You can’t do that. There’s no need.”
“I shot your brother, Angel.” His voice is tight.
Clearing the thickness from my voice, I shake my head. “He’s going to be okay. You are not going to the police. It wasn’t your fault. He came at you with a gun…”
It’s quiet on the line. “You still want to see me?”
“What? I’ve been calling and calling.”
“You told me to go.” His voice is quiet. “I thought you hated me.”
“Hated you? How could I ever—” My voice breaks again, fresh tears. “Tell me where you are. Send me the address.”
“I don’t want you coming here. You need to be with your family.”
“I need to be with you.”
“I don’t like you driving by yourself—”
Now I’m getting frustrated. “Text me the address!”
His breathy chuckle fills my ear, and my stomach warms. “Okay, beautiful. But I want you to call me every so often so I know you’re safe.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
Turning the wheel, I go back to my brother’s house and grab that rolling suitcase. It doesn’t take long to fill it with everything I own. I’m never coming back to this house again. I don’t know if that means I’ll sleep on Lourdes’s couch or I’ll move in with Deacon, but I won’t be here.
I put the envelope of cash in my purse and my suitcase in the car, and I collect the paintings I brought home from class yesterday. I grab my few paint supplies from the cottage and download the pictures I took of Winnie’s portrait onto my laptop, leaving the iPhone on the kitchen counter. I don’t want any of his gifts.
Pausing at my car, I press my lips together. This is a problem. Taking this car is maintaining a connection… But I have to get to El Paso.
My brow furrows, and I exhale a growl, looking up at the enormous mansion towering over me. “Fine, you fucking win this round.”
I’m going to take this car for now, but it’s not mine. I won’t give him any power over me. It’s not my will that takes this vehicle, it’s my need.