Page 56 of Marks of Rebellion

She knows Spanish and can understand what they are saying.

I need to expand my languages.

I only speak English. Give me English any day, and I'll have an intelligent conversation with you. I can even morph into Australian lingo when I'm there or English banter when in the U.K. But speak anything else, and I'm a clueless moron waiting in the wings.

Miguel slowly sets Julieta down. He cups her face and Ryker shifts on his feet.

More Spanish is spoken, and Julieta spins and continues to talk and says our names while pointing to us.

Miguel assesses us, and I suddenly wonder why I didn't bring my gun with me. He says something to Julieta, and she points to Ryker.

Miguel holds out his hand to him, and the moment Ryker takes it, he yanks him into his chest and pats him on the back while saying, "Gracias."

Okay. I think that means thank you.

"De nada," Ryker replies.

When did Ryker learn Spanish?

Miguel says something else to him, but Ryker stutters and looks at Julieta. "I don't know anything else."

"It's okay." She talks to Miguel in Spanish again, and he says something back. "He said to tell you he doesn't mean to be rude, but he doesn't know English."

"No problem."

When Miguel pulls back, he turns to us, takes Vanessa's hand, and kisses it, then bends closer to kiss her cheek, but I pull her back.

"He's not going to harm her," Julieta says. "He's only going to kiss her cheek and be a good host."

"Sorry."

Julieta says something to Miguel, and he looks at me, then raises his eyebrows and tsks.

My gut flips a bit, not knowing what that means and wondering again why I didn't bring my gun.

Vanessa releases me and steps forward and hugs him. He kisses her cheek and squeezes her while looking at me in a challenging way.

Get your hands off my woman.

I think I might seriously die if I got in a fight with this guy.

Julieta says something in Spanish, and he winks at me and releases Vanessa.

Ryker snorts.

"What's that for?" I growl.

"You should see your face right now."

"Watch it," I seethe.

Miguel grunts, shakes his head at me, and motions for us to follow him inside.

Everything is dark, and he flips on lights as we walk through the house.

It's a rustic mix of bright colors and looks comfortable with oversized couches and chairs.

Of course, this guy is a giant.