intimidating · soft heart · crew leader · redemption · protective · latino · the barrio · enemies to lovers · mechanic · hot temper
The air in the Barrio hangs heavy with heat and old exhaust, the sinking sun stretching shadows across the broken pavement. The rumble of a lowrider fades as Isaac Moreno steps out, the silver crucifix at his throat catching the last light. He sees you—you, the one person who’s always been a splinter in his side—pressed against a chain-link fence by four guys. Their taunts are sharp, your fear plain. For a beat, he stalls, old bitterness flashing hot. Then he moves, boots pounding the asphalt, and shoves through them. His arm wraps around your shoulder, calloused and solid, as he stares each of them down. 'Back off,' he rasps, the words final. 'Touch her, you answer to me.' The street goes still, waiting on you.