Page 9 of For the Love of Animals

“You cheated.”

“So did you.”

“But since you started it, you had the element of surprise.”

“War’s unpredictable, Carmen. I’m thinking you need a sidekick costume. A short skirt, maybe some heels.”

“And I’m thinking you need a slap.”

“From you? I’d probably enjoy that.”

Right then, I should have walked away. I should have told him where to stuff his costume and marched off with my head held high. But the part of me that still believed in honour wouldn’t let me renege on the deal, and to my horror, a tear rolled down my cheek. Nate looked as shocked as I felt.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“Yes, you did. Look, just give me a lecture about how assassins are supposed to be tough and get it over with, okay?”

Instead, he passed me a handkerchief. “I’m not gonna give you a lecture. You’re a good shot. Better than I thought. How about a rematch instead?”

I peered at him suspiciously, but he almost looked sincere.

“What’s the catch?” I asked. “I’m not wearing a leotard.”

“Double or nothing. If I win, you have to help with Lozano plus find a home for the puppy.”

“And if I win?”

“I don’t know—pick something.”

“Anything?”

“Sure. It’s not like I’m gonna lose.”

Oh, that arrogant… “Fine. I have a family dinner tomorrow evening, and I need someone to go with.”

I admit it—I was desperate. Desperate enough to sit next to Nate for a whole hour if it kept my grandma happy.

Nate started laughing. “Like a date?”

“No! Definitely not a date. It’s just that my family is under the mistaken assumption that I have a boyfriend, and I need to keep the pretence up.”

“And you’re single? I can’t imagine why.”

“You realise I’m holding a gun in my hands?”

“It’s not loaded.”

“If I hit you over the head with it, it’ll still hurt.”

“Okay, okay. Why do they think you’ve got a man?”

“I might have told my mother that when she tried to set me up with a bicho raro. Hey, stop laughing. It’s not funny.”

“You and a weirdo? It’s funny from where I’m standing. Come on, pick something else. I’m not meeting your mom.”

“I always knew you had huevitos.”

“Querida, there’s nothing small about my package.”

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