Page 27 of Cartel Devil

“Say it. Say that word. Give me a reason to carve my fucking name in your cheek, so everyone knows those men’s women left you for fucking dead.”

Someone pounds at the restroom door. It’s definitely a man. I don’t trust the woman, so I don’t look over. The pounding continues along with someone yelling.

“Tre! Tre!”

“We’re okay, Joaquin.”

Toria trails the blade down the woman’s cheek. It’s not a deep cut, but it leaves a trail of blood.

“You got lucky, you cunt. You can thank my cousin for your life. Irony’s a bitch.”

My friend drives her fist into the woman’s temple, and she crumples to the floor. Neither Toria nor I look at her as we walk to the door. Joaquin looks between our shoulders as I pull the door open.

“Tre, what happened?”

“We took care of it.”

“That doesn’t answer my question. What happened?”

“That woman had too much to say. We need to hurry, or we’ll miss the beginning of the movie.”

Joaquin doesn’t move. He glares at me before looking at Toria. I know she’ll back me up.

“And what am I supposed to tell Alejandro?”

“Nothing. I’ll explain.”

He shifts his gaze back to me and narrows his eyes. He doesn’t like that my friend will tell her husband what happened, but I won’t tell him. That’s the difference between a date and a husband. I don’t owe Joaquin anything. After the way he left me floundering at the dinner, I’m not inclined to trust him completely. He can tell, so he steps aside. Toria walks out first. He snags my wrist as I step past him.

“You may be able to take care of yourself, and so can Toria, but you do not lie to me when it comes to your safety or hers. You will tell me what happened because you don’t want to know the consequences if I have to hear it from my cousin.”

“It’s not a big deal.”

I try to pull my wrist free, but his hand’s a fucking manacle. This time, Joaquin positions himself between Toria and me, so he doesn’t have to let go. This isn’t how I saw the date going. We make it back to our seats, and Toria whispers to Alejandro. He leans forward, glancing at me before locking gazes with Joaquin. I don’t understand their silent communication, but Joaquin stands. Alejandro’s gentle when he helps Toria to her feet. He trades seats with her, and Joaquin hurries down the stairs before disappearing out of the theater.

“Where’s he going?”

“You both should have told him the truth. We’ve been having more trouble than usual with The Brand. They usually steer clear of us. That one of their women approached you is beyond odd. We need the rest of our men to sweep the building and the area outside. Joaquin’s going to take care of it.”

“Are—are you angry with Joaquin?” I have a sinking feeling.

“No. Why would I be?”

“He didn’t check the restroom before we went in. When I didn’t answer him, he didn’t come inside to check on us.”

“Joaquin knows Toria can defend herself and you. I’m certain you learned to fight off an attacker. He was confident the two of you together would be all right. If you weren’t, you would’ve called out for him. It was important he remained outside to ensure no one else could join in.”

“Okay.”

“Really, Tricia. I’m not mad at him. He did what he was supposed to. I’m sorry this messed up your date. He has to be my wife’s bodyguard now rather than your date.”

I hadn’t thought about it that way. I didn’t consider Joaquin was acting only as Toria’s guard when he left. I thought he was looking out for both of us. I nod and sit back in my seat as the trailers begin. We’re twenty minutes into the movie before Joaquin returns. He slips into his seat as though nothing happened. He’s watching the screen as I watch him.

Eventually, he turns his head to look at me. I furrow my brow, waiting for some sign of reassurance. His lips twitch downward as if to say it’s nothing. Then his attention’s back on the movie.

That’s all I get?

What the hell?