Page 35 of Made For Ruin

“No, that’s okay. I can manage.” I flash what I hope is a casual smile, though my heart is racing. “Ruby’s waiting for me.”

“You sure?”

I nod, probably too quickly. The confident, self-assured man who commanded every moment last night is still right there, watching me with those intent amber eyes. While I’m sitting here falling apart over what to say next, he seems completely at ease. Like he knows exactly what this is, exactly what he wants.

“Yes. Thank you though.”

“What’s your schedule look like for the rest of the week?”

“Two doubles, today and tomorrow. But I’m off Thursday and Friday.”

“Good.” His voice drops lower. “That means you’ll have plenty of time to rest before our date.”

“Date?”

“Yep. I’m taking you out on Friday night.”

My stomach flutters at the thought.

Going out in public together would make this real in a way that last night wasn’t. Cooper Heights isn’t exactly known for keeping secrets. People would talk. They’d wonder what Marcus Ruins is doing with someone his son used to date.

As if reading my thoughts, he adds, “I know a little place outside of town. Private. Just us.”

Relief floods through me. “A date sounds nice.”

Satisfaction flickers across his face, and my stomach does a little flip.

“One more thing.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a thick fold of bills. Then he hands it to me.

I blink at the money. “What’s this?”

“For the oven repair.”

I count the bills, my eyes widening.

“Marcus, this is way more than I need for the repair.”

“Buy yourself something nice to wear for Friday.” His voice softens but maintains that edge of authority that makes my pulse race. “Something that makes you feel beautiful.”

My throat tightens. I’m so used to handling everything myself, to being the one who takes care of others. The simple act of someone wanting to take care of me feels overwhelming. Dad was the last person who looked after me like this, who noticed what I needed before I had to ask.

“Marcus, I...” Words fail me. How do I tell him that this means more than just money? That someone seeing me, really seeing me, makes me feel things I can’t explain? “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Now come here and kiss me goodbye.”

He curves his hand around the back of my neck, drawing me closer. His other hand catches my chin, tilting my face up to his. For a moment, he just looks at me, those amber eyes searching mine with an intensity that steals my breath. Everything I’m feeling - the uncertainty, the attraction, the need - he sees it all.

The kiss starts gently but quickly deepens. His fingers tangle in my hair, holding me exactly where he wants me. No hesitation, no uncertainty, just pure male dominance that makes my knees weak. When we finally break apart, I’m dizzy.

“I should go.” I gesture weakly at the building, fighting the urge to climb back into his arms. “Before the neighbors start talking.”

“Friday,” he reminds me. His voice is a low growl that makes me shiver.

I reach for the door handle. “Friday.”

“Don’t make me come looking for you, sweetheart.”

Marcus’s words are still echoing in my ears when I step into my apartment. I barely have time to kick off my shoes beforeRuby bursts out of her room, her dark curls wild around her face like she’s been running her hands through them, something she does when she’s worried.

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