The Slayer (Untamed Hearts #2)(141)

She turned away from the stove and said in Spanish, “You’re getting married.”

“Oh yay,” he whispered when she hugged him, because he had forgotten. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to marry Alaine; it was just the circumstances sort of sucked. “Who told you that?”

“It’s an engagement party,” Nova offered, also speaking Spanish, as if by default, because he had likely been speaking it all afternoon. He leaned against the counter, eating a bowl of mofongo con chicharrón. “This is excellent, Sofia.”

“Gracias.” His mother gave Nova a pleased smile and went back to cooking.

“I need some,” Chuito said as he gestured to Nova’s bowl. “If it’s my party, I deserve whatever you’re making for it.”

His mother laughed, as if she knew the real reason why he was hungry. “Have fun?”

“Oh my God,” he said as he handed her the box. “Where did you buy that? I’m f*cked-up, Mamá.”

“I have a friend with connections,” she said dismissively.

“Do I want to know what sort of friend?” Chuito asked because he was too blitzed to stop himself.

His mother turned and arched an eyebrow at him.

Nova laughed in amusement. “Friends with connections are the best friends to have.”

“Yeah, I know. Why do you think I’m friends with you?” Chuito growled at him and then gestured to the stove. “Food.”

“I sorta want some of whatever’s in that box. I’ve had a bad day too,” Nova said with another laugh, clearly not taking the jab personally. “What happened to the fighting?”

“I figured I’ll have other shit to deal with for the foreseeable future,” Chuito said as he gave Nova a pointed look. “You caught me between contracts. Lucky you.”

“Really?” Nova asked in surprise. “Even after today?”

“Especially after today.” Chuito took the bowl his mother offered him. “But you got to deal with my agent, ’cause he’s gonna freak the f*ck out.”

“Sure,” Nova said as if dealing with other people’s problems was second nature. “That means something, Chuito. Thank you.”

“Yeah, well, I figure I owe your brother. This party could’ve been a wake.”

His mother turned and hit his arm. “?Muchacho! Estas loco? Don’t say that.”

“I’ll say it if I want.” Chuito took a bite and groaned, having forgotten until this moment just how amazing his mother’s cooking was. “Ay carajo, Mamá, que rico.”

“Good?”

“Holy shit,” he said and took another bite. Then he looked back and forth between his mother and Nova. “I guess you’ve met.”

“We’ve met,” his mother said as she turned and gave him another smile. “He’s been helping since he got here. I need more Italian friends if they all help like he does. So efficient.”

“Well, you’re in luck.” Chuito held his hand up to the party. “Take your pick.”

“Yeah, take your pick,” Nova added with a smile. “You know, it’s funny, but I’ve been saying I need more Puerto Rican friends. Odd coincidence.”

“We’re the best kind of friends,” his mother assured him but then turned back to Chuito. “I’m not happy about the fighting, though.”

“It’s temporary,” Chuito said, hoping he was telling the truth. “His brother did save Alaine’s life. He saved mine too.”

“Then why is he so sad?” his mother asked.

Something about that hit Chuito in the chest, because if his mother noticed Tino was upset, it must be bad. “Where is he?”

“He is currently self-medicating.” Nova sounded a little broken all of a sudden as he looked at his bowl. “It’s sorta his way of coping.”

Chuito gave him a look of concern. “Not—”

“No, he didn’t fall completely off the bandwagon.” Nova winced even as he said it. “But he’s probably about as relaxed as you are. Maybe more so by now. If you could tell him you don’t hate him, I’d greatly appreciate it. There was nothing nice about what happened. I know why you’re mad, but I’d still appreciate it.”

Chuito groaned.

“Tino’s not like you and me,” Nova said softly, the pain potent in his voice. “He knows people can survive horrible, painful, completely horrific shit because he’s actually done it. He did sell Alaine for time, but he knew she could survive it. He knew you could too. You have to consider that. Please consider it, Chuito. I took away the only other person besides his family that he loved enough to risk everything for. If he loses another one, the blow will be the least of our problems. He’s got a cause to f*cking die for now.”

Chuito was silent, remembering that same fear with Marcos and how deeply it terrified him.

Enough to come down here and try to take on Angel by himself.

Which would’ve been a death sentence with the Russians on his side.

“Fine,” he grunted but decided to take his food with him, because he was blitzed as hell and hungry as f*ck. “I’ll go find him.”

“Follow the music,” Nova said as he pointed to the doors outside. Then he grabbed Chuito, and wrapped a hand around the base of Chuito’s neck. He kissed Chuito’s forehead like he did with his brothers. “Thank you. I love you too.”