Page 50 of Hostile Devil
I dip into the side of Leo’s face, wincing a little from the jab I took to the ribs. “Leo… you don’t need to do this. I can end this myself.”
André laughs. “Souzas don't kill each other, they just get even.”
My skin prickles, not from my brother's true words. No, it’s because I can feel my girl getting closer.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Dré. You can’t hit him.” India’s defensive tone pierces my heart. “Leo, take my hand. We’re going inside.”
“No.” Leo looks up at her from under his messy bangs. “I want to end the fight the Souza way. For my Papá.” He shuffles around to face my twin. “Hit me Uncle André.”
When he squeezes his eyes shut and holds his breath, India palms her breastbone and André just stares at him, emotion swirling in his eyes.
“Dré,” India says softly.
“Relax, Indy.” André makes a fist. “He’s a Souza. The kid can handle it.”
My jaw locks and sweat trickles the length of my spine. I swallow hard, the burning need to protect my son painfully strong. Despite my urge, I inhale a controlled breath and put my faith in André, who ever so lightly punches Leo in the bicep. It’s enough for him to feel firm pressure, but not nearly enough to hurt.
Leo blinks his eyes open and exhales loudly. “My turn.”
“Give me your best shot, kid, because this is the one and only time you’ll get a clean swipe at me… hit me in the future and we’ll fall out, comprendes?”
“Remember what I taught you, Leo.” I remind him. “Slow it all down. Breathe.”
A flash of lightning spooks the seabirds, making them flap on the branches. Leo looks up at me and smiles. “I’ve got this Papá.”
India moves beside me and takes my hand, fully invested in Leo. Her body fits right next to mine, warm and comforting in a rare moment that I’m finding hard to process.
I draw in a deep breath and glance at her side profile. She’s exquisite. From those watery baby blues to the cute frown she wears. For a fleeting moment, I go weak from the sight of her and then I catch myself.
None of this changes anything. I won’t let André’s attempt to take her from me slide. Just because he feels responsible for her doesn’t make her his. It doesn’t matter how he’s seamlessly slipped into the role of my kid’s uncle, either. I won’t forget what his real intentions were.
“Come on, kid.” André laughs quietly. “I’m bleeding here and your Papá owes me a drink.”
Leo gets into position and raises his fist, taking a deep breath to settle his nerves. Exactly how I’d instructed him countless times in the past.
Eventually, he takes a swing and thumps André’s bicep in return. I smirk when my brother fakes a flinch. “Wow, you’ve got some strength there, Leo.” He praises. “You could teach your Papá how to throw a punch.”
“Don’t be silly. He taught me.” Leo beams, oblivious to the brotherly jibe.
Tomás strolls over to us and pockets his hands in his dress pants. “I didn’t come all this way to stand outside in a thunderstorm.”
“Are you friends again?” Leo asks, taking my hand.
André rises to full height, fishes out a pack of smokes, and lights one as he walks with us. I meet his eyes, keeping India locked tight to my hip. “That depends on your uncle,” I tell him. “He thought I’d let India go without a fight… and the evening isn’t over yet.”
24
INDIA
Tomás sits deep in the couch, his calculating gaze all over us. Behind him, the electrified horizon flashes blue and white as the storm moves in.
Lola bustles through the kitchen, preparing food and pouring the four men drinks without being asked.
“I can get my own drink, Lola,” Matheus stands, slides his arm around her waist, and kisses her cheek. “I still remember those cookies you made.” His smile slips. “Papá told us you were dead.”
“How did you end up here, Lola?” Tomás fixes his diamond cufflinks as he stares right at her. “Why did he think you’d died?”
Lola bows her head, her eyes falling to Leo sitting on Giovanni’s lap. “Giovanni told him that,” she says softly, an uncertain tone in her voice. “Your brother, he saved me.”
