Isela's Love by Sasha Cain

the inmates could work their shifts.
    Despite the pain he was in, Brendan raced to the door, flinging it open. She was a vision, standing there in the hallway, her penny-colored hair, slightly mussed, framing her face. A chunky wide-eyed girl stood next to her. Grabbing Isela’s hand, he pulled her through the entrance. Her friend stared at him with a wrinkled brow for only a second before she followed Isela inside and shut the door.
    “Are you all right?” he asked, a bit breathlessly.
    She nodded, glancing down at his hand clasping hers. He let go, leery of spooking her.
    “I’m fine,” she said. “I was worried about you.”
    His breath caught in his throat. “You were?”
    “Of course. Why did you stick up for me? What were you thinking?”
    He gazed hard into her eyes. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I must’ve done something to make you drop those dishes. It was my fault, not yours.”
    Isela took a step back. “No, you didn’t do anything. I wasn’t paying attention, and I dropped them...after already being in trouble. You should probably avoid me like the plague. I tend to attract trouble.”
    Mae snorted.
    Brendan took Isela’s hand in his. “I have no intention of avoiding you. In fact, if I have my way, we’re going to get a lot closer.”
    Mae squeaked behind them. Isela sucked in a breath as a hot wave of energy crashed over her. Pulling her hand away, she avoided his gaze. She shook her head.
    “You don’t understand. Guarros...he won’t allow us to be...friends.” She looked into his eyes. “He’ll kill you. You have to ignore me...for your own safety.”
    “Isela—”
    “No,” she said, tearfully.
    She snatched the cloths and other items from Mae’s hands, shoving then at him. “Here, for your wounds,” she said, right before she turned and ran away, Mae right behind her.

Chapter Eleven
    Darrios did a double take when he saw his brother-in-law’s bruised and battered face. He bit back the rage now coursing through his veins as Evan stepped up behind him, placing his hand on Darrios’ shoulder.
    “Be cool,” he whispered.
    Darrios nodded, breathing deeply. When he caught his eye, Brendan gave him a lopsided smile. Guarros entered the room, his goons trailing behind. He noticed Darrios staring at Brendan.
    “New inmate,” he said, “Started giving me trouble on his very first day. I had to set him straight.”
    “So you beat your inmates into submission? That works for you?” Darrios asked acidly.
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Derosa, is there a problem?”
    Evan shot Darrios a warning glance. Darrios glanced over Guarros’s shoulder. Taking a deep breath, he extended his hand.
    “No, Warden Guarros. I apologize for my rudeness. It was a rough trip over.”
    Guarros shook his hand. “Not a problem. I understand. The journey here from Inland is brutal I’m told.”
    Evan let out a relieved breath as they followed Guarros to his office. He placed his next order, paid them for the current one, and they provided him with receipts. Once their business was concluded, Evan and Darrios were escorted out into the main hallway.
    “Sorry I can’t accompany you myself, gentlemen, but I’m extremely busy. You understand,” he said, dismissing them.
    Darrios couldn’t get away from the warden fast enough. He held his tongue, waiting until they were out of earshot of any of his spies. On their way out, they rounded a corner, coming face to face with Brendan.
    Darrios reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bundle wrapped in cloth, slipping it into Brendan’s pocket as he walked by him without missing a stride.
    Just before they reached the exit, Darrios looked up to see Isela standing down the hall in the entryway of a large room. She gave him a little wave. He waved back, wishing he could go talk to her, make sure she was all right. Her cheek had a bruise, but nothing compared to Brendan.
    Shortly after they cleared the gates into Inland, Darrios stopped the wagon and jumped