His low laugh filled my chest, enfolding my heart. “No,” he admitted. “I wouldn’t do this for anyone but you. And I’m still going to my workshop as soon as the introductions are over with.” The surly twist of his lips was belied by his dancing eyes.
My laughter bubbled up to echo his. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of asking you to endure small talk.”
His phone dinged an alert, and he stepped away to pull it from his pocket. He nodded when he checked the notification, his mouth tugging down in a small frown.
“Isabel’s here,” he announced. He tapped the screen a few times, then slipped the phone back in his pocket. “Gate’s open. She’ll be at the door in five minutes.”
I traced the line of his frown with my thumb. “Thank you for doing this for me.”
His lips quirked up at the corners, and he offered me a grunt in reply. I could tell it was his happy grunt, so I returned his smile with a broad grin of my own.
Grasping my hand in his, he led me to the front door. He took a deep breath, bracing himself.
I shot him a wry smile. “I promise this will be totally painless. I assume Isabel knows you well enough not to trap you with boring niceties. And if she tries, I’ll make your excuses, so you can escape to your man cave.”
I yelped when he gave my ass a sharp pinch in rebuke for my teasing. His slightly cruel chuckle was punctuated by a tentative knock on the door. He rolled his shoulders, as though loosening up before a fight.
I smothered a giggle before he could pinch me again. I really did want to meet Isabel.
Now that I was facing the prospect of socializing, I realized how much I missed female companionship. Before I’d moved in with Gehovany and faded from my community in shame, I’d had lots of girlfriends. We’d spent our days gossiping and our weekend nights dancing.
Raúl would’ve hated it.
As much as I loved spending time with my taciturn protector, he’d never be the type to settle in for excitable chatter. And I could hardly imagine him laughing on a dance floor, losing himself in revelry at a big party.
He opened the door, angling his body in front of mine.
“Isabel.” Her name was a chip of ice on his tongue.
I peeked around his massive frame to find a slender young woman shrinking away. Glancing up at Raúl’s fierce scowl, even I had to resist taking a step back.
Okay, he really hates guests. My heart squeezed at the reminder that he was pushing himself way out of his comfort zone in order to make me happy. The least I could do was save him from socializing.
It looked as though Isabel could use saving, too. Her eyes were so wide that her thick lashes nearly reached her delicately arched brows. Her oversized, wire rimmed glasses only magnified them, making her seem downright terrified. Freckles dusted her too-pale cheeks, and the unnaturally ashen tone of her complexion made her bright pink, matte lipstick pop to an almost garish degree.
I slipped past Raúl’s intimidating bulk and extended my hand to Isabel. “I’m so glad you could come visit.” Genuine warmth imbued my tone, and she focused on my pleasant greeting like a lifeline. “It’s great to meet you. I’m Marisol.”
Her fingers trembled slightly when she shook my hand, but some of the color returned to her cheeks. She very carefully avoided looking at Raúl, keeping her large eyes pinned on me.
“Isabel.” She introduced herself before clearing her throat. She straightened her shoulders, and when she spoke again, the quaver dropped from her voice. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“Do you want to come in? You’ll have to excuse Raúl,” I added quickly. “He was about to go spend some time in his workshop.” I turned to him with a sweet smile. “Don’t let us hold you up. I know you wanted to finish that big project today.”
We hadn’t discussed any such thing, but my white lie melted his scowl. He dropped a quick kiss on my forehead and strode away without a word, heading for the haven of his man cave.
When I returned my attention to Isabel, I found her jaw hanging open. She quickly closed it with an audible snap and blinked rapidly, clearing away her momentary shock.
I supposed Raúl’s intensity would be enough to shock anyone, especially someone like Isabel, whose willowy frame looked as though she’d be knocked over by a strong wind. Her loose-fitting, white crop top and wide-legged, ankle length jeans did nothing to bulk out her appearance. If anything, the shapeless clothes made her limbs seem even more delicate.
I stepped aside and welcomed her into the house with a bright smile, eager to offer her shelter. Anyone with half a heart would experience the impulse to shield her fragile frame.