Her brother stood in the doorway with murder in his eyes. His chest puffed in and out as he barely contained his rage. His fists in tight balls at his sides. He looked like a raging bull andVincewas his target. “You son of a bitch. You’re my best friend. I trusted you to look after my baby sister. Not fuck her.”
“I can explain,”Vincetried saying.
“Like this?”Joaquínheld up a photo of her andVincein the alley. “I thought it was a mistake when someone sent me this last night, but I flew out on the first flight to find you like this. In my house,” he bellowed. Like a raging bull, her brother charged toward them.Vinceleapt from the bed and met him halfway.
Fiona covered her mouth in horror asJoaquínwailed onVince, who was just letting him.Vincedidn’t even try to defend himself. He just stood there asJoaquínrailed blow after blow to his face and body.
This was what the stalker meant by she would face the consequences. He had sent a photo of her withVinceto her brother. Who knew if her mother had it too. Her stalker was trying to alienate her from her family. He somehow knew how devastating this would be if they found out about it.
Joaquíndelivered a powerful strike toVince’s jaw, snapping his head to the side. Fiona had to do something before her brother killed the man she loved. She found her shirt on the floor and quickly put it on. It would have to do for now. “Joaquín, stop,” she yelled, coming around the bed.
“No,” he growled, delivering a blow toVince’s ribs that made him wince.
“I love him.”
Joaquínstopped and looked at her. His features pinched in pain. “No, he’s a womanizer; he’s just making you think that.”Joaquínturned back toVince. “You son of a bitch. You brainwashed my sister.” The blows continued. He was going to killVinceif she didn’t do something quick.
Fiona ducked between them and stood in front ofVince. “Move,” her brother said evenly, never raising his voice. Fiona refused to move.Vinceeven tried moving her out of the way, but she wouldn’t budge.
“The fighting stops now. I know you’re upset.”Joaquínsnorted but she ignored him. “But I loveVinceand he loves me. He’s not using me. He loves me. And you have to be okay with that.”
“Over my dead body. Our parents will never accept him. He isn’t good enough for you.”
Fiona feltVincestiffen behind her. He had said the same thing many times, but she had sworn her family would accept him. She still believed that. It would take time and patience, but they would come around. Eventually. “He’s good enough in my opinion and that’s all that matters. I’m tired of my family dictating my life. It’s mine to live and I’ll be with whomever I choose. He’s good enough to stand at your back and protect it, why can’t he be good enough for me?”
Her brother opened his mouth but said nothing.
“I’m sorry you had to find out about us this way. I never intended for that. But you’ll have to accept he’s in my life now. I intend to move out here soon.”
Ortiz shook his head, his eyes still blazing with fury. “Mom will never allow it.”
“It’s not up to her. It’s my life.” Fiona would face down her mother overVince. She wasn’t willing to give him up. “She can’t tell me what to do anymore. I’m an adult.”
“We just want what’s best for you,”Joaquínsaid gently, lowering his arm.
“Again, it’s my choice.” Fiona stepped back next toVinceand took his hand.Vincesqueezed it, giving her his support. “And I chooseVince. If you guys can’t accept that, then I’m sorry.”
Joaquínlooked back and forth between them, pulling a cookie out of his pocket to munch on. Fiona wasn’t surprised by this. The man had an endless supply of Oreo cookies in his pocket. He had since he was a kid. Their mother tried forbidding them in the house, butJoaquínalways snuck them in somehow. Mother cursed washing his clothes and the constant crumbs in his pockets. It was a source of comfort for him more than he was hungry. Some people had stress balls and other things to calm them. He had cookies.
“Can we talk outside? Allow Fiona to get dressed,”Vincesaid calmly. “I’d like a chance to explain.”
“I’ll step out for Fiona, but don’t think I’ll ever forgive you for this. Consider our friendship over.”
Fiona felt her heart break forVince. She never imagined her relationship would jeopardize their friendship.Joaquínsaid things in anger. She hoped that was the case this time. It wouldn’t do for their teamwork for them to be at war with each other.
“It will be okay,”Vincewhispered above her ear before stepping away to get dressed. He winked at her asJoaquínpushed him out of the room. Her brother didn’t even look at her as he walked out. He was upset and rightly so. He was feeling hurt and betrayed. She just needed to give him some time to cool down. She got dressed and headed downstairs, and almost screamed in shock at seeing David standing in the living room.
“David? You scared me. What are you doing here?” She smiled, happy to see her friend. She didn’t understand what he was doing here but was happy he was here. She ran up to him and hugged him. It was nice having her friend back. He looked tired and was wearing a black shirt and jeans. He usually preferred colors. His hair was slicked back in its usual combed back look.
“Surprise. I came with your brother. I’ve been worried about you. You haven’t been returning my calls.” David looked at her, hurt.
“Sorry, my phone has been off. Do you forgive me?” She smiled sweetly even though she had been a terrible friend lately.
“Don’t I always.” His tone lacked any warmth. In fact, standing there, he looked at her like a stranger instead of her best friend. What was up with him? He had never acted so standoffish before. David had never been one to hold a grudge. CouldJoaquín’spoor attitude have affected him? David always had an easy smile. Now he looked angry and upset.
“Would you like some coffee?” David asked, heading into the kitchen without waiting for her response. He came back a moment later with a mug. The fragrant aroma of roasted coffee had her ready for a caffeine fix.
“Thank you.” She went to take a sip when a shiver ran up her spine that she couldn’t explain. David was making her feel uncomfortable, which was odd since he was her friend. She had never felt uneasy around him. It must be all this drama with her brother andVince. Speaking of. “Where is my brother andVince?”
