Carolina’s jaw dropped. Had that stern tone just come from Lalo, the same Lalo who panicked when his pants were dirty?
Rafa’s fists clenched at his sides, but he did as he was told. His shoulder bumped hard into Lalo’s as he passed, though.
Carolina beamed. “That was brilliant.”
Lalo rubbed the back of his neck. “I fear my newfound dagger-throwing skills have made me arrogant.”
A snort of laughter bubbled from Carolina.
But as she searched Lalo’s eyes, she had to remind herself that this,allof this, was just a partnership of convenience. He did not actually care for her.
So why did her heart suddenly feel a thousand times larger? Why did she want to take his hand and dance with him for the rest of the evening like Tía Sofia suggested?
“Carolina?” Lalo said, his voice soft as a summer rain.
Her stomach tightened, her body betraying her once more.
She cleared her throat. “Yes?”
“Dance with me?”
“I…” She gulped. Her armpits began to sweat. Her palms grew clammy. She tingled everywhere. It was the strangest she’d ever felt.
She shook her head. “I think I need air.”
Carolina brushed past Lalo and ran out of the barn, ignoring everyone’s eyes glued to her back. She spotted the woman in the wide-brimmed hat tucked in the shadows. Even from this distance Carolina could see that knowing grin Doña Maricela seemed to prefer.
Carolina’s arms pumped harder. Bolting with no direction in mind, other than to give herself space from that boy.
When Carolina was far enough away, she stopped and rested her hands on her hips.
“What is wrong with me?” she panted.
“I was going to ask the same thing.”
Carolina jolted. She whirled around, her back hitting an old wooden fence.
“Lalo,” she wheezed.
He’d come after her.
“What happened in there?” he asked. “I thought we were putting on quite the show.”
Her heart pinched.A show.Yes. Of course. That was all this was. There were greater things at play here. She and Lalo were going to end the vampiros. She would keep her loved ones safeandget to stay in Del Oro.
Her feelings for Lalo should not be an issue.
Stupid brain,she chided within her mind.Stupid body.
She pushed herself from the fence. “I’m sorry for running away. I felt ill suddenly. I thought I was going to retch.”
His eyes widened. “Do you need anything?”
He took a step closer.
“No!” She lowered her voice. “I mean…I am fine. A good jog did me well.”
“I see.” He tilted his head back and sighed. “I prefer it out here anyway. All those people crammed together, dancing and sweating, was becoming overwhelming. Truth is, I never cared for gatherings of that nature, even before I was…you know.”
