To say he wasn’t enjoying himself would be an understatement. The last thing he wanted was to be at some friendly gathering where he barely spoke to anyone. The only reason he bothered to step foot in the place was because of his girlfriend—and that’s where you come into the picture.

You weren’t the chatty, friendly type either, but you knew most of the people at the party and were more approachable than Choso. He didn’t mind just standing by as you made conversation, knowing that by the end of it, he’d be able to head home with you. The party wasn’t even close to being over when you spotted an ex-friend a few feet away. Choso knew about him—how the guy had tried to pursue you at work and wouldn’t back off even after you clearly told him you weren’t interested.

The friendship hadn’t ended on a good note, so when the guy asked if he could talk to you outside, you hesitated but eventually agreed to hear him out. Choso didn’t think it was a good idea but kept quiet, telling you he’d keep an eye on things from a distance.

His eyes darkened as he watched you two step out into the backyard. He moved toward the sliding door to keep a better watch. From your body language, he could tell the conversation was agitating you, so he casually stepped outside. Walking up beside you without glancing at the guy, he looked at your face.

“You good, baby?” he asked. Before you could answer, the guy cut in, “Yeah, she’s just—”

Choso shot him a look, cutting him off. “I was talking to my girl.”