It’s possible I’m in shock, because I don’t feel afraid or even anxious. A part of me welcomes this. I’m having Deacon’s baby. My stomach fills with butterflies, and my fingers flutter to the ring hanging from my neck. I slip it on, contemplating my next move.
I can’t tell Lourdes.
I can’t tell anyone until I tell Deacon.
He texted earlier saying he was at the land office with Rich. I love you. Call me when you’re done.
I’d read his words, but I haven’t had a chance to respond. I still have to finish my last errand involving my brother.
Standing, I cap the test and drop it in my purse. Then I throw everything away and wash up quickly before heading to my best friend’s house.
“Finally.” Lourdes meets me at the door, keys in hand. “I thought I was going to have to drive to the bitch’s house and save you.”
“You mean the witch’s house?”
“How’s that bridge over the rainbow going?”
She follows me out to the driveway, and I pause before getting in my ride. “Deacon says she likes me… But I’m not venturing over any rivers any time soon.”
“So it’s a bridge, but not a very reliable one?”
“Exactly.”
It’s twilight when we arrive at Beto’s mansion. Lourdes’s apartment is on the south side of town, near Valeria’s house where I spent my teen years. Beto lives in the rich part of town, where nobody knows their neighbors and the yards look like children never play in them.
My stomach tightens as we pull into the driveway, and I want to get out of here as fast as possible.
Leaving the car parked outside the garage, I put the keys in the glove compartment and jog to where Lourdes is waiting. “Let’s go.”
I’m just about to get in when a strong hand grips me by the arm. “Here you are.”
Beto stands behind me, and I twirl away, doing my best to get my arm out of his grasp. “You’re home early.”
“I don’t like hos
pitals.” His hold on my arm loosens, and I can tell he’s weak. He seems winded, but he’s still angry. “Where have you been?”
“None of your business.” My voice is low and cold. “You forfeited that right when you pulled a gun on Deacon.”
“I told you never to see him again. I told him never to come here.” Dark eyes flash at me. “He was trespassing in my home.”
“He was my guest.”
“He’s not allowed here.”
“Which is why I’m moving in with Lourdes.”
Beto’s jaw clenches, and he leans down to look at my friend through the window. I step between him and the car. “If you have a problem with it, talk to me.”
I won’t have him menacing my friend.
Straightening, he crosses his arms, looking down at me. “Go to Lourdes. I know where you are.”
“Call off Mateo.”
His brow lowers. “What does that mean?”
“He’s got a gun, and he’s hunting Deacon. I want you to make him stop.”