His Territory | ✔️

17

"Cállate" [shut up], he snaps, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "I was doing just fine before you showed up, and I'll keep doing things my way long after you're gone."

The words hit me like a slap, and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "After I'm gone? Is that how it is?" My voice shakes, fists clenched at my sides.

He turns, and his face goes pale, eyes widening as he realizes what he's just said. I raise my hand, stopping him before he can speak.

"Don't," I say sharply. "Don't say another word. I'll save you the trouble. I'm sorry for being such an inconvenience. I didn't ask for this." I snatch my bag from the floor, slinging it over my shoulder.

"Amor, you know I didn't mean that," Cristian says, his voice soft, almost pleading.

I give him a sarcastic smile, shrugging. "Sure you didn't." I yank the door open and rush down the hallway, Cristian's frantic shouts echoing behind me.

"Lu, please!" His voice gets closer as he chases me down the hall.

Los and Gian look up from the couch, their gazes sharp as I sprint past them and out the door. I barely hear Gian's warning, his voice fading as I dash down the street, the cool night air filling my lungs.

I reach my front door after running nonstop, my chest heaving as I fumble with the keys, glancing over my shoulder. The rumble of an engine sounds in the distance, headlights slicing through the dark. I shove the key into the lock, ducking inside, and throw the bolt, rushing to the living room to pull the curtains closed. I crouch behind the kitchen island, my breath shallow as I listen.

The car door shuts with a gentle click, and footsteps approach, soft but steady. A few quiet knocks sound against the door, and I freeze, heart pounding.

"Lu, I know you're in there." Los's deep voice comes through the door.

I exhale, creeping toward the front, keeping low. The knocking comes again, softer this time. "Lucia, please. It's just me." I ease myself up, unlocking the door just enough to see him. He holds a finger to his lips, urging me to let him in.

I step back, and he slips inside, locking the door behind him. He rests a hand on my shoulder, motioning down the hall. I lead him to my bedroom, and he closes the door quietly, leaning against it.

"I told Cristian you wouldn't be here, so he's looking for you in town," he says, his tone hushed. He points to the floor, near the window. I nod, sinking down as he takes a seat across from me, crossing his arms.

"I know you're angry," he begins, rubbing the stubble on his head. "But you need to understand, you're not safe alone, no matter how upset you are at him."

I don't respond, letting him continue, his voice soft and steady. "He's trying to protect you. I am too. But you've got to make smarter choices when things are like this."

"Choices?" I reply, voice barely above a whisper. "You mean being hunted by three gangs? This is a disaster, not some 'damsel in distress' bullshit."

"I know, cosita [little thing], I know."

I glance up, surprised by the pet name. "Cosita [little thing]?"

He shifts closer, his gaze unwavering. "You deserve better than this. Better than him." He reaches out, taking my hands in his. "You deserve someone who can take you away from all this, someone who won't drag you into a life of blood and danger."

My throat tightens, emotions flooding my chest. I try to pull back, but he holds on, brushing his thumb over my knuckles. "He can't change, Lu. He's in this for life, however long that lasts." He swallows, his voice barely a whisper. "But I can change. I can give you a life free of all this."

"Carlos..." I murmur, glancing down at his hand on mine.

He raises his other hand, his fingers brushing my cheek, tangling in my hair. "I'll wait for you, Lu. However long it takes." He pauses, his voice raw. "Eres el fin para mí, chula [you are the end for me, cutie]. You're all I want."

His words echo in my mind, painfully familiar. I close my eyes, letting the moment wash over me. When I open them, he's closer, his breath warm against my skin.

"I'm sorry, Carlos," I say, my voice breaking. It's all I can manage, his eyes holding me in place, my body unwilling to move.

"I have to," he says, and before I can respond, his lips are on mine, soft but insistent. I close my eyes, but I don't return the kiss, too tired to fight it, too drained to push him away.

He pulls back, releasing his grip. He stands, moving to the door, but I rise, watching him as he stops in the doorway.

"What about Cristian?" I ask, my voice almost a whisper.

He bows his head, one hand resting on the doorframe. "Don't tell him about this. He'll be back soon."

He steps out, leaving me alone in the darkness, the echo of his words lingering long after he's gone.