Page 49 of Made For Ruin

“Alright, you can start by pulling these then. Grab them at the base, as close to the dirt as you can.”

She does as instructed, her brow furrowed in concentration as she works alongside me.

“Seriously, this garden is incredible, Marcus. I can’t believe you grew all this yourself.”

The garden’s nothing fancy—a few raised beds that I built last spring with wood that’s seen better days. It’s got a smattering of herbs, a few tomato plants, some peppers, and a cucumbervine trailing along the back fence. It’s even got a small patch of wildflowers that my sister Emma insisted on planting.

But there’s no denying the satisfaction I feel, knowing she’s impressed.

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “I’ve had a lot of time on my hands over the years. And I like being self-sufficient. Being in the Marines taught me that.”

“And flowers?” She nods toward the wildflower patch I’ve been cultivating. “Are those also essential for survival, too?”

I sit back on my heels, unable to stop my smile at her teasing. “The bees like them. Helps with pollination.”

“Of course. It’s all very practical.” Her grin widens. “Nothing at all to do with how pretty they are.”

“You caught me.” My eyes lock with hers. “I’m secretly growing flowers because I like looking at pretty things.”

A blush creeps up her neck, but she holds my gaze. “So what made you decide to start this garden anyway? I mean, besides for the beauty and survival skills?”

No one’s asked about the garden before. But looking at Lainey now, the gentle curiosity in her eyes, I realize I want her to know.

Need her to know.

“My friend Shadow gave me the idea. He’d bring over these pathetic-looking plants and tell me they just needed someone to believe in them.” My lips quirk at the memory. “Half of them died that first summer, but he just kept bringing more. Said I needed a hobby that didn’t involve guns or power tools.”

Lainey grins. “He sounds like a good friend.”

“The best.” I swallow past the lump forming in my throat. “Shadow, Reign, and I served together. We started up Pack Security together when we got out. Shadow was a good guy. He was like a brother to me.”

“Was?”

I blow out a breath. “He died last year. Police found his body at the bottom of Cooper Ridge.”

Lainey reaches out, placing her hand over mine, where it rests on my knee. “Oh Marcus, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. After he died, I threw myself into this garden. Figured it was a way to honor him, you know? Keep something of him alive.”

“I think that’s beautiful.” She squeezes my hand. “And I’m sure Shadow would be proud of what you’ve built here.”

“Yeah. I like to think so.” I clear my throat, trying to shake off the heaviness.

Lainey is quiet for a moment.

“I’m glad you told me,” she says finally. “I want you to be able to talk to me about this stuff. About Shadow. I know it can’t be easy.”

“It’s not usually, no. But with you...” I trail off, holding her gaze. “With you, it feels right somehow.”

A pretty blush stains her cheeks as she smiles. “I’m glad. I want you to feel like you can open up to me.”

I flash her a wicked grin. “Careful what you wish for. You may not like what you find if I let you in too deep.”

“I’ll take my chances.” Her blue eyes sparkle with invitation.

Lainey has no idea what she’s asking for, the demons that lurk inside me. But I’m beginning to think I’d do just about anything to keep her looking at me like that. Like I’m not a lost cause. Like maybe there’s still something good buried deep down worth believing in.

I reach up to brush a loose strand of hair from her face. Her breath hitches at my touch, but she doesn’t move.

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