He should have resisted Miguel’s demand that he snap a photo of the new Spanish teacher after his brother-in-law had shown up at Ivy Hill—but what could he do? Margarita’s brother was running the show . . . as that visit had proven. It had done exactly what the man intended—attracted the attention of school security, put him in an uncomfortable position, and demonstrated who was in control.

Except Miguel wasn’t in total control, as his condition tonight indicated. It also proved that people were getting hurt in whatever he was involved in. How Zeke Martinez fit into the picture was a mystery—but if Miguel wanted his photo, the man could be in danger.

The whole mess kept getting worse and worse.

Margarita came up beside him and slipped her arm in his. “I am so sorry, mi amor. This is all my fault.” Her voice was thick with tears.

He patted her cold hand. “No, it’s not. Your brother bears full responsibility for all the trouble he’s caused. Never be sorry for being kindhearted.”

“What a sweet picture of domesticity and love.” Miguel sneered as he made the saccharine comment. Then his tone changed to a low, menacing growl. “And if you want to keep your happy home, you’ll both continue to be hospitable hosts. Let’s eat dinner.”

Margarita glanced at him, and after a moment Eduardo nodded.

They’d play by Miguel’s rules for tonight.

But now that violence had entered their home, the rules were going to have to change. He would not put Margarita and his child at physical risk.

Miguel had crossed a line.

How, exactly, he would solve this problem wasn’t yet clear to him. He and Margarita would have to discuss it behind their closed door, examine the options, and weigh the consequences of any actions they were considering.

In the end, though, they’d defeat Miguel.

They had to.

If they didn’t, their lives would be ruined.

Yet as Margarita dished up their enchiladas, the savory, spicy aroma that usually made his taste buds tingle turned his stomach instead.

For defeating Miguel was a daunting task—and even if they succeeded, their lives could still end up in ruins.

13

CATE! WAIT UP!”

As Noah hailed her from down the hall, Cate carefully lowered her backpack to the floor. Carting around the half-empty satchel eighteen hours after the injury to her ribs was uncomfortable, but it was better than the fully loaded version. That would have been torture.

Truth be told, she’d much rather curl up in her bed than attend classes and sit through an assembly.

But her reprieve with Grace and Eve was only six hours away. She could hang in that long.

Besides, with the attack fresh on everyone’s mind, it was possible she’d pick up a bit of helpful scuttlebutt if she kept her ear to the ground at school today.