“They’re supposed to protect you against enemies. I’m not the fucking enemy,” Dad growls.
“I know that. They know that. But this is what you wanted, remember? After Eliana was born, you wanted to have even more babies so we could get more sons.”
“Because I knew she would grow up to be beautiful, because you are,mi alma. There’s a reason she’s sneaking around dating, and it’s because she knows it’s wrong.”
“I’m right here, and it’s not wrong to date. I’m eighteen, Papi, not a child.”
“You are a child,” Dad says. “And from now on, you don’t leave this house without one of your brothers.”
“You can’t be serious. Mom, tell him no.”
“Emmanuel, that’s ridiculous. You need to let her grow up,” Mom chastises.
“Nope, I’m with Dad on this one,” Elias chimes in.
“Me too,” Ezekiel and Esterio say in unison.
Eliana looks up at me. “Emilio? Don’t do this to me.”
“Sorry, sissy. I gotta side with Dad here. You’re too young and the things boys your age want, well, they’re not getting it from my sister.”
“Yeah? How about I give Alfie a call and see what he thinks about his sister dating you?” Eliana fires back.
I scoff. “You think I’m scared of Alfie.”
“How about we don’t call any of my brothers and say we did? Also, Tío E, you’re my most favorite uncle. And usually, I think you’re right. But this time, you’re kinda wrong. Eliana dating isn’t a bad thing.” Frankie turns to my father, who looks as if he’s ready to burst a blood vessel. “And you all need to sit the hell down. You look ridiculous,” she says, pointing to each of my brothers and then me. “We all know your father is never going to hurt your mother.” Frankie rolls her eyes.
“They always do this,” Eliana says.
“It’s sweet, but also very unnecessary.” Frankie looks directly at me.
I’m torn. I’ve been taught my whole life to stand up for my mother and sister always. Even against my father.Hewas the one who taught us that. But now, Frankie pointing out just how stupid it is to think my father is a threat to my mother just because they disagree on something… Well, it’sstupid. My father is the last person on earth who would ever hurt my mother.
I sit down, and then all of my brothers follow suit.
“I like you. If you don’t want to marry Emilio, I’ll marry you,” Eliana tells Frankie.
“That’s a great idea. You should date girls, Eliana,” Dad says.
“Who says I’m not already?” Eliana smirks.
“Are you?” Esterio asks her.
“No.” Eliana laughs. “But the hopeful looks on all of your faces is priceless.”
“What are everyone’s plans for the day?” Mom quickly changes the subject.
“I might go and find these guys three brides, because I think we could use some more female votes at this table,” Eliana says.
“Good idea. Let me know how that goes.” Mom chuckles.
“I’m taking Frankie sightseeing,” I say.
“Does that include sights outside of your bedroom walls?” Esterio smirks.
I pick up a piece of toast and throw it at him, which he easily catches.Asshole.
Chapter Fourteen