His Territory

17

Cristian steps away from me, his back taut and shoulders tense, his fingers massaging his temples as though trying to rub out a headache.

I move toward him slowly, my hands finding his shoulders. I knead the rigid muscles beneath his shirt, and he finally looks at me, his gaze lingering on my lips before he places his hands gently on my waist, pulling me closer.

"I hate you," he whispers, his voice rough. "I hate that you're strong. I hate that you're right." His fingers thread a strand of hair behind my ear, and he buries his face in the curve of my neck, his breath warm against my skin.

I let my hands glide up his chest, fingers tangling in the collar of his shirt, giving me leverage. I push him back slightly, just enough to see his face. His lips are pulled into a scowl, and his brows knit together, frustration shadowing his expression.

"You made the choice to protect me, remember?" I release my grip on his shirt and start pacing, unable to contain my restless energy. "You can't hate me for wanting to look out for you in return." I pause, catching his gaze, his eyes fixed on the floor. "Think about it—if they're offering money for me, they need me alive. They won't hurt me. This is quick money, Cristian. Fifty grand is just the start; they could offer more. It's an easy profit."

He looks up, fury blazing in his eyes. "You're not a fucking business venture, Lucia!" he shouts, the veins in his neck bulging. "You're a person, not some stack of cash, and I'm not gambling with your life!"

He spins away, gripping the window frame so hard his arms shake. "I don't need you as a pawn to make a few thousand dollars. I've got nearly a million in the basement. I could buy anything with it."

I let out a short, bitter laugh, crossing my arms. "The only thing you're buying with that is a one-way ticket to prison."

"Callate," 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, I know."

I glance up, surprised by the pet name. "Cosita?"

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'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.