Michael's POV:

I was very shocked to see Mateo and Leticia in the living room, this early in the morning. My heart started pounding. I had just been caught red handed, meaning that my relationship with Leticia was over and my cover was blown.

I thought I would play my cover out, so I said, "Mateo, what are you doing up this late?"

"Take a seat, Michael."

I walked over to the couch, that was across from Leticia and next to the chair that Mateo was seated in, and I plopped myself on the couch.

"Que esta pasando (what's going on)?" I asked.

Mateo exchanged looks with Leticia, right before he looked back at me. I had never been so scared in my life. Iraq was bad, but this moment felt worse. Not only was I scared for my life, but I was frightened to see what Mateo would do to Leticia.

"So... Michael, where did you go around 12:20 a.m.?"

"I, um," I hesitated, as I thought of a lie to say. "I went home to take a shower and changed into a clean pair of clothes."

Y cuales son tus intenciones con mi hermana (and what are your intentions with my sister)?" questioned Mateo.

I took a deep breath and felt relieved. This was not about my cover. In fact, it was about my secret relationship with Mateo's sister, Leticia.

So, I turned to Mateo and looked him straight in the eyes as I said, "Mateo, I know how much you love your sister. How protective you are of her. Leticia means a lot to me. I would never hurt her because I love her. Amo a tu hermana (I love your sister)."

Then I turned my head and looked at Leticia, who was dressed in her pajamas and had her hair up in a messy bun

"Te amo (I love you), Leticia."

Leticia blushed and tried to hide her smile.

"Well then," started Mateo, as he stood up from his seat."Michael, I trust you with my sister. But, if you ever hurt her, I promise your life will be miserable."

I wouldn't have it any other way." I said, as I stood up to shake Mateo's hand.

"Bienvendio a la familia (welcome to the family)." Mateo whispered into my ear.

Soon enough, Leticia stood up from her seat and joined me by my side.

"Gracias Mateo." thanked Leticia.

"Yeah, yeah now get out of here before I change my mind." Mateo joked.

Leticia dragged me up to her room where we laid down on her bed together, wrapped in each other's arms.