forming a ring around us, and I can feel their eyes watching.
In my peripheral, I see Angel struggling against Mateo, and red fills my vision. “If you don’t call off that asshole—”
“Mateo is following my orders, which is what you’re about to do.”
“Beto, stop!” Angel makes a lunge to get past Mateo, but he catches her clumsily, causing her to fall to the floor.
She goes down hard against the polished stone, letting out a little cry of pain. Fire blazes in my chest, and I shove Beto off me with all my strength. He crashes against the wall, and I’m across the room, grabbing Mateo by the shoulder from where he’s bent over, trying to help her up.
I haul him up, landing a solid punch to his cheek.
“Fuck!” He falls back against the wall, crushing a small table and sending a vase of flowers flying.
Pain blasts through my hand, but I don’t care. I’ve got one focus, and it’s my girl. “Are you hurt?” Leaning down, I scoop her up.
She’s trembling, and her skirt is torn. Her eyeliner is smudged from her tears, and a knife twists in my stomach at the sight.
Now I’m fucking furious.
“Carmie!” A small voice wails from the opposite side of the room, and rapid footsteps close the distance as Sofia runs to her.
Angel leans down to pick up her niece, who’s also crying. “What’s happening Carmie? Why is everybody fighting?”
“Beto, for lord’s sake!” Valeria rushes to where we are, and she looks on the verge of tears herself. “Stop this now! You’re ruining Lo’s quinceañeara.”
Beto’s gaze flickers to where my hands are on his sister’s waist. He’s breathing hard, and I know he doesn’t give a shit if anyone’s crying or if he’s ruining the party.
“Get your hands off my sister.” It’s a menacing sound, low and cold.
Angel steps up beside me, putting her hand on my arm. “I brought Deacon here to meet you. To make friends. If you talk to him, you’ll see he’s good. You’ll like him.”
Her voice is pleading, but I see the ice in her brother’s eyes. Everything inside me tenses, preparing to fight.
“We do not make friends with Drings.” He’s breathing fast, his voice gravelly. “He is not welcome here.”
Mateo is beside him, glaring at me with hatred in his eyes. I see what looks like the start of a shiner at the top of his cheek, and it makes me smile. I’m ready to give them a matching set.
“Then I’m not welcome here.” Angel’s voice turns hard, and I glance down at her. Her amber eyes flicker with golden fire, and the strength I’ve always known she possessed rises in her posture.
Sofia’s arm tightens around her cousin’s neck, and Angel’s pretty eyes meet mine. I see the tears threatening to reappear, and I take her wrist, leading her towards the stairs. “Listen…” My voice is low and gentle. “I’m going to go now. Take Sofia upstairs, and I’ll call you later.”
Her slim hand touches the front of my chest, and she inhales sharply. “No. Deacon—”
“It’s going to be okay.” My insides are churning, but I don’t want her to cry.
I know how important her family is to her, and I feel like I’m starting to understand why she tried to put off this meeting for so long. Not that I understand what the hell’s going on here, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is her cousin’s party and Sofia’s fear, and I don’t want to be the cause of her pain.
“I don’t want you to go.”
“I’ll be back.” I give her a smile, hoping it comforts her. “Trust me.”
“I trust you.” She stretches up to kiss my cheek before giving her brother a withering look and going up the stairs.
My shoulders drop, and I turn, ready to end this shit show. I’m at the door when Beto catches me by the shoulder.
“I know all about you, Dring.”
“You don’t know anything about me.” My voice matches his tone. I’m not afraid of this guy. The only thing holding me back is Angel.
“Oh, yes. I know you.” He smiles coldly.
Mateo steps closer, as if he’s waiting for a signal. Valeria makes a scolding noise behind us, and I glance over to see the teens all watching with wide eyes. My stomach tenses, and I know I’d better go before I forget my promise to my girl. I’m ready to smash this guy to bits.
“If I ever see you with my sister…” He points two fingers, aiming them slowly like a