Page 49 of Brittle Heart

“Rules are rules, Costa.”

And enough is enough.

I walk over and place a hand on Del Moro’s shoulder. “Indeed, my friend. And the rules do state that if there’s a reliable person to ensure an individual can sober up safely, we don’t need to take them in.”

He shakes my hand off. “He disturbed the peace in this bar. We have to arrest him for that.”

I look over to the bar owner. “For that, the owner would need to press charges. Are you pressing charges?”

He seems much more relaxed now, leaning against his door frame with his arms crossed over his chest. “Absolutely not.” He smiles smugly.

I turn back to Del Moro. “See, no need to bring out your fancy handcuffs. You can leave now, rookie.”

Del Moro shoots me a glare, then turns back to Carolina. “Trash, the whole fucking family,” he spits out before muttering to Taylor, “Let’s go.”

They climb into their car and drive off. I watch them until they’re out of sight, then turn back to the remaining group. During the confrontation, Josh moved closer to Carolina, who now regards me with a cold, apathetic gaze.

“You know, I’m always ready to accept your gratitude,” I joke, hoping to ease the tension.

She bites her cheek before managing a stiff, “Thanks.”

That definitely didn’t lighten the mood as I’d hoped.

“Are you okay?” Josh asks.

I look at her more closely. Her cheeks are pink, either from the cold or from running. Her hair is tousled, her ponytail barely hanging on, and an apron is tied under the leather jacket she’s left open.

Did she work this late again?

She had classes today and also spent hours working with Sophia.Does this woman ever sleep?

“I’m fine,” she says curtly before turning to the man. “Let’s get you home.”

She attempts to guide him, but he slurs, “No! I want another drink,pig!”

My eyes meet Josh’s, who’s already watching me.

Carolina snaps at the man, “Stai zitto, non voglio sentirlo, ci sono poliziotti qui!”

He slurs back, “I don… give a fuck.”

He tries to push her away but missteps and loses his balance. She takes the opportunity and slings an arm around his waist, looking fucking tiny next to him.

“We can help you get him home,” Josh offers.

She shakes her head and starts to walk with him. “No, thanks.”

Josh blocks their path, standing in front of them. “You can’t drag him home on your own.”

“Get out of the way,” she hisses at him, her face angry and her eyes brimming with embarrassment while she struggles to keep the man up. Then her gaze falls on Josh’s badge, and she closes her eyes, taking a deep breath before whispering, “Please.”

I don’t think I’ve heard her ever say that word before, and now she has said it twice. Josh simply nods and steps aside, allowing them to pass.

We watch as Carolina tries to support the drunk, who stumbles over his own feet and is cussing her out the whole time as they move down the street.

“Is that her father?” I ask Josh, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s her uncle,” the bar owner says. “Her parents are dead.” My stomach drops at his words. “Do you guys know her?”

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