Page 57 of Miguel
“More than ready.”
I held my hand out to her in invitation, which she took, and together we made our way downstairs again. It was awkward wading past everyone, watching their eyes snag on our bags. They knew we were leaving, and I was sure they were speculating why. The women snickered from where they sat perched on some of the members’ legs, but that only made me tilt my chin up higher.
I discreetly scanned my gaze across the room in search of Miguel, though I didn’t see him or Zeke for that matter. Something in my chest squeezed at the notion that I’d hurt him. Thinking back on it, his voice had been gruffer than what I’d grown used to. His movements were rough, and he’d gripped at me almost as if he’d been too afraid to let go.
As Desi and I made it to the door, we were intercepted by a club member. I blinked at him, eyes scanning his leather cut to find his name, but it only had the single word ‘Prospect’ stamped on it.
“You ready to go?”
He was young, younger than me, at least, with big eyes and hair styled with too much gel. He bounced up and down on his feet, looking like an eager puppy.
“Ready for what?” I frowned. I pulled my hand from Desi’s so I could interpret.
“I’m taking you home.” He smiled.
“Um, no you aren’t. We don’t know you.”
He frowned at my protest. “I’m not letting you go home by yourselves. Both Mayan and Miguel gave me strict orders to see you home safely.”
Miguel.
Desi and I turned towards one another. Her brows raised, and I could just make out the quirk on the side of her mouth, which quickly gave way to annoyance.
“What do you think?” I signed without speaking. Let the guy–Prospect–wonder what we were talking about.
“I think these men have way too much audacity.”
“I don’t think he will take no for an answer either.”
“Let’s test that theory.”
I turned back to Prospect, forcing a smile to my lips. “We don’t need your assistance, but thanks.”
A lie. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind it if someone would accompany us back to our place. Just the thought of going back there, to a ruined house tainted by violence, made a shiver glide unbidden down my spine. But somehow, I hated the thought of staying here at the compound so much more.
I hated the idea of falling for Miguel, against my better judgment. Especially since we came from completely different worlds.
“I have orders to–”
“Well, I am ordering you to stay. We don’t need you.”
He laughed. “Nice try, but when the Vice President and the Secretary tell me to watch over their Viejas, I’m gonna fucking do it.”
My stupid heart did a flip.
“I’m not his Vieja.”
He chuckled. “Sure you aren’t. But I’m still taking you home.” He reached forward and both Desi and I flinched as he snagged the straps of our duffel bags and took them away from us. “Ready?” Without waiting for a response, he whipped around and walked out of the clubhouse.
“They do have the audacity,” I said.
“Told you,” Desi replied.
Shaking my head, I grasped for her hand again and we went out to catch up to Prospect. He was making his way to one of the many darkly tinted SUV. They all seemed out of place with all those motorcycles, but I didn’t comment on that as he opened the back door and waited patiently for Desi and I to slide inside.
We paused outside of the door, staring with uncertainty.
“Get in,” he urged.
