Page 91 of Miguel

“How you like that, hijo de puta?” Loco spat on him, sending another kick flying.

I walked towards them before Loco could unleash his brand of crazy. I wanted vengeance. I wanted them to suffer, but I had my Vieja and kid waiting for me at home.

I wanted this done and over with.

I wanted them gone.

“Have fun in hell, perra.” My finger squeezed the trigger and the bullet against his head ended his life.

“Aww,” Loco pouted. “You’re no fuckin’ fun, Migue.”

I frowned. “We done here? I want to get back to my Vieja.”

“Yeah, hold your panties. Your Vieja can go without an orgasm for another minute.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes and watched as Loco pulled out his phone. He quickly dialed Mayan and put our club secretary on speaker.

His grunt was how he answered.

“They out?” Loco asked.

Mayan let out a low growl. “Yeah.”

“¿Y los gringos?”

A low chuckle was answer enough for Loco. He hung up and pocketed his phone. My prez didn’t bother to wipe the blood off his face. When he smiled, it was wide and frightening.

“Let’s go get your Viejita the orgasms she’s fucking waiting for.”

Chapter Thirty-five

Lorena

Theringingofmyphone echoed throughout the apartment, going on and on and on while I tried to remember where I’d put it. I pulled the throw pillows from the couch, shoving my fingers into the cushions, coming into contact with nothing but crumbs.

I pulled away with a huff of frustration, whirling and catching sight of Zeke watching me. His aids weren’t in his ears, so I pantomimed talking on the phone for him before I signed the words. He nodded in understanding and ran on his little legs into the bedroom. When he came back out, he was clutching my ringing phone in his hands.

“Gracias.” I took it from him and quickly swiped as I answered the unknown number. “Hello?”

“Hi, good afternoon. I am calling on behalf of the National Institute of Special Education.”

I froze, my heart hammering hard in my chest. N.I.S.E. was one of the best schools in the state for disabled children. I’d given Miguel the name and had sent in Zeke’s information myself. We had been actively looking for a new teacher, a new school, for Zeke. One that could cater to his abilities and needs and help him move ahead in life. Things had felt like they were at a stand-still for the longest time because Miguel had asked Chema to run background checks on every teacher and institution before we could apply to any.

“Yes, how can I help you?”

“I’m looking for the parent or guardian of Ezequiel Lopez. Is Salvador available?”

“No, I’m afraid Salvador isn’t here right now.”

“Are you the boy’s mother?”

“I–” I gave pause, darting my gaze to look at Zeke. He was staring at my lips with rapid attention, almost as if he were trying to read or decipher them and the conversation I was having on the phone. He was staring at me with trust, gifting me with a smile.

My heart warmed at the sight of it.

His mother?

Miguel and I hadn’t had a serious conversation about our future. At least not one where either of us were clothed. I knew what he wanted. A future. Just like I did. Our ideas and goals matched. And I loved Zeke. That was something I’d never dared hidden from anyone. I loved him like he was my own son. But was calling myself his mother a step too far? Would it upset Miguel? I didn’t think it would, but he hadn’t exactly said he wanted me to adopt Miguel?

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