Page 26 of Ruin

“Done.”

“What are you doing?” she whispered.

Ruin peered back down at her and brushed a thumb down the bridge of her nose. Bending low, he murmured for her ears only, “They make you sad. So, I’m buyin’ ‘em for you to set free.”

For a long moment, she just gaped up at him. Gradually, shock was overtaken by a flood of gratitude, affection, and something else—something pervasive and effervescent.

That he’d not only noticed her distress but understood what caused it would’ve been astonishing enough. But that he then took it upon himself to do something about it?

Lira decided right then and there she was going to keep this male. He was hers now.

Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she pressed her forehead to his arm. “You didn’t have to do that. You’ve already bought so much for me. I don’t want to be a burden.”

He rumbled softly, the vibration of it soothing her. “Seein’ you upset is the only burden I can’t bear, my bird.”

Her heart swelled at his words, and that knot of emotion she’d just gotten under control tightened her throat once more.

In such a short span of time, he’d become her source of comfort and strength, his presence a balm to her tattered soul. Such a dangerous, intimidating male. A murderer for hire. Yet, so gentle with her, so caring.

So… loving.

How odd that a killer had been the one to save her life. How strange that a mercenary was the kindest being she’d ever met.

Face still hidden with her forehead against his arm, she mouthed the words she longed to say aloud.

“I think I love you.”

Chapter 9

Lira clutched the cage of chittering spacerats close to her chest, their tiny claws scrabbling against the metal bars. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she glanced up at Ruin striding beside her through the dingy alleyway.

Vivid yellow eyes flickered down to her and softened. “Ready?”

She nodded and set the cage down, fiddling with the latch for a moment until it sprang open with a metallic creak.

The animals didn't need any encouragement. They burst out in a flurry of gray and lavender striped fur and wriggling whiskers, scattering in all directions through the refuse-strewn alley.

Sighing happily, she peered back up at Ruin with a beaming smile.

He huffed, the exhale ruffling the wisps of white-blonde hair that’d come loose from her braid, an affectionate smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “You're a strange little thing.”

That surprised a soft laugh out of her. Feeling playful, she murmured, “Maybe… but I think you like it.”

A low, churring purr vibrated that broad chest and his expression became suddenly intense. “Yes, I do.”

Before she could reply, a metallic whisper split the air as something whizzed past, narrowly missing her face.

Faster than she could process, Ruin grabbed her and shoved her behind him in one fluid motion. A gun seemed to materialize in his hand, its charged barrel glowing ominously.

“Well, well,” a chilling, synthesized voice echoed from the mouth of the alley. “What a delightful surprise. If it isn't my favorite Lurian assassin.”

Lira peered around Ruin's hulking frame to see a tall, four-armed figure silhouetted against the dingy light, face obscured by a matte black helmet. Her breath caught in her throat as her gaze landed on the sleek lines of a bio-plasma pistol leveled at them.

The figure didn’t move that she could tell, but she knew, couldfeel, when his attention landed on her.

“Ah, there she is. The Mogovian’s human pet. Worry not, dearling, I'll takeverygood care of you once I've incapacitated your guard.”

“Shouldn’t have taken this job, cyborg,” Ruin growled.

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