“Would you get out, please? I need to use the toilet.” He glares at me a moment before going to the door.
I push it closed behind him and turn the lock. Leaning over the sink, I hold cool water to my neck, too my cheeks. The nausea slowly subsides, but my eyes are swollen. I look pretty rough. Chewing my lip, I realize I left the burner phone in my bed. Shit.
Quickly using the restroom, I open the door and find Mateo looking through the papers on my desk. “What are you doing?”
He walks to where I’m standing. “Where is he?”
“I don’t know.” Pushing past him, I start for my bed.
“You’re lying.” He catches my arm, hazel eyes flashing. “Stop protecting him. He almost killed your brother.”
“Let me go, Mateo.” My voice is firm. “Beto came at him with the gun. It was an accident.”
“This does not go unanswered. I’m in charge until your brother’s back on his feet.” His grip relaxes, and I jerk my arm away, going to my dresser and pulling out leggings and a tunic top.
“I have to get to work.”
“You tell me if you hear from him.”
Yeah, right. I scoop the burner phone off my bed, hiding it with my clothes as I return to the bathroom and close the door. Dressing quickly, I dust some powder on my nose. I can’t hide my red eyes. My heart is beating fast, and I’m ready to get out of this house.
I missed my ride with Rosalía, so I take the keys from the rack in the kitchen to the silver MINI Cooper I’ve never driven. I hate to drive, but this car feels solid, and it goes fast. Two things I want right now.
Parking on the street in front of Winnie’s house, I jog to the side entrance and go straight to the room where I paint. As usual, she’s there reading, and when I walk in, she narrows her eyes.
“You didn’t arrive with Rosalía today. I hope that isn’t a sign of things to come.”
Looking around the room, I try to figure out a nonchalant way to ask if Deacon is here. “I wasn’t sure if I should come early… with your family in town.”
“Family?” Her brow furrows.
“Your nephew? Isn’t he staying with you?”
“Deacon? Goodness no. Why would you think that?” She shakes her head.
“He was here last night, so I just assumed he was staying with you.”
“Deacon has a penthouse apartment downtown. He was on his way out when you arrived last night.”
My bottom lip goes between my teeth, and my heart sinks. “So he’s not here?”
“No… not that it has anything to do with you.” She stands and crosses the room to me, brow arched. “Have you been crying?”
Clearing my throat, I turn my face away. “My older brother had an accident last night. He’s in the hospital.”
She’s quiet, studying me, and I go to the canvas, not really in the mood to paint. I want to collapse in a heap and cry. My stomach is in knots, and all I can think is Mateo out there waiting with a gun. I can’t possibly paint.
“If you’re not feeling well today, I think you can take a long weekend.”
My eyes widen, and I glance over my shoulder. “You’re giving me the day off?”
She turns, strolling to the chair and picking up her book. “I understand family obligations. Just don’t make it a habit.” That last bit is sharp, but I don’t give a shit.
“Thank you.” I grab my bag and hurry out to my car, taking the iPhone Beto bought me out of my bag.
I suspect he uses it to keep tabs on me, but with him in the hospital, that’s out the window. I don’t know how to drive downtown, and this phone has a map application on it. I’m typing in the name of Deacon’s penthouse tower when the burner starts buzzing in my purse.
Tossing the iPhone aside, I dig in my bag. The face says unknown number, but I don’t let it stop me. “Hello?” My voice is breathless.