A/N I DON'T OWN ANYTHING! I want to thank xxLady Of The Darknessxx for the saving Gabriella idea.
Back in the Montez house Gabriella was in bed cuddled with Troy wide awake.
"What's wrong baby girl?" Troy asked.
"Are you mad at me?" she whimpered.
"What? No of course not! What would make you ask that?"
"I know you don't like Carlos and I know you don't trust him but I allowed him near us… near our family."
"No I'm not mad. I'm mad at Carlos that he forced you into this but I'm not mad at you for giving him a chance."
"Do you think I did the right thing?"
"I think you did what was best for you."
"Do you think Carlos will betray me?"
Troy sighed. "I hope not sweetie. I really hope not. I want to be wrong about him but if you trust him and want to give him a chance I'm going to support you no matter what happens and if for some reason Carlos does betray you I will not be one of those husband's that say 'I told you so'. I'm going to support you all the way baby I promise."
"Thank you Troy. I love you."
"I love you too baby girl. Good night."
"Good night."
The shared a kiss and cuddled together falling into a deep sleep.
The next morning Troy, Gabriella, and Carlos sat in a coffee shop talking.
"So I'm not allowed near Gabriella unless you are around. That's not fair. Gabriella is a grown woman she can be around whoever she wants." Carlos said.
"Well until Troy and I fully trust you that's the way it has to be and you are NOT to be anywhere near Ashley unless she wants you to. We are not going to force her into liking you." Gabriella said.
She felt stronger standing up to Carlos now that she had Troy with her.
"Fine I guess I can agree to that. So when am I "allowed" to see you." Carlos sighed.
"Whenever you want just call first." Troy answered.
"Ok fine whatever. Are you going to try and make Ashley trust me?"
"You'll have to do that on your own."
"How can I do that if you won't let me near her?"
"If you want to win her trust bad enough you'll figure it out."
"Wow you two sure liking making things hard for me don't you?"
"If you want this as bad as you say you do then you will be willing to work for it."
"I am willing. I want this trust me I do. I just don't understand why you don't trust me. I'm your Uncle. Your brother would want you to trust me."
Troy saw Gabriella tense.
"We don't trust you because we hardly know you. Gabriella's father abused her the first 16 years of her life. You abandoned your brother when he was sixteen and show no interest in knowing Gabriella and now suddenly you show up and want to know her. Forgive me for not trusting you right away." Troy answered rubbing Gabriella's back hoping to relax her.
"I had nothing to do with my brother abusing her from what I believe that was Mark Anderson."
Gabriella went stiff as stone. Troy pulled her onto his lap hugging her tight. She had a history of pulling herself into a catatonic state when she got too upset and Mark Anderson was just the person to cause Gabriella to do that.
"Don't bring him into this. This isn't about Greg or Mark. It's about you. If you really want this friendship with Gabriella you'll have to deal with the rules and not bring up her past." Troy growled.
"Struck a nerve did I? I'm sorry I just don't want you thinking it's my fault. Greg beat Gabriella."
"Don't talk about the abuse or Greg's death around Gabriella got that?"
"Fine. Chill Troy everything is going to be fine."
Carlos smirked and it made Troy feel very uncomfortable. What was he up to?
"Well I should get going."
Carlos got up and left. Troy kissed Gabriella on the head holding her tighter.
"You all right baby?"
"Yes…can we go home please…Can we leave Ashley with mom and dad I just want you to cuddle me in the comfort of our home."
"Of course Angel let's go.
Troy and Gabriella walked outside heading to the car. Troy stopped.
"I left my cell phone on the table in there. Go get in the car I'll be right there."
Troy handed her the keys and went back inside. Gabriella continued to walk to car when she tripped and fell to the floor. She grabbed her ankle as a pain shot through her.
On the other side of the street Carlos was watching. He grabbed his cell phone.
"Ok she's down go now."
Just then a speeding car was heading towards Gabriella. She whimpered knowing she couldn't move. Before she could feel the impact of the car she was grabbed and thrown to the side. As the shock wore off she heard Troy call her. He ran to his side.
"Troy you didn't save me?"
"No."
"Who did?"
Just then Carlos ran over.
"Are you all right? That car came out of nowhere?"
"I'm fine thanks to you."
"Thank you for saving her." Troy said.
"Of course, anything for family."
With that Greg walked off. Now Troy was confused. Was this guy good or bad? Did he want to love Gabriella or hurt her?
"Troy can we go home?" Gabriella whimpered.
"Sure baby girl."
Troy lifted her and carried her back to the car. They got home and just cuddled on the couch. Gabriella iced her ankle and it was fine. Troy couldn't stop thinking about Carlos. Was he wrong to judge this man? Was he really a good guy?
A/N ok guys sorry it's so short. I'm going away this week and I just wanted to give you a little something before I left. I'm not sure when I'll be able to upload again because when I get home I'll have a boatload of homework to catch up on so just hang in there with me. Thanks again to xxLady Of The Darknessxx for the idea.