Page 35 of Mountain Protector

“It can be fixed,” Ruby says, her voice stronger now. “It’s just stuff.”

“You’re staying with us tonight,” Lainey declares, reaching for Ruby’s hand. “No arguments.”

Ruby hesitates, her fingers tightening on my shirt. “Actually...”

Lainey’s eyes narrow, darting between us again. Understanding dawns on her face. “Oh.”

“Clay’s place is secure,” Ruby explains, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “And Holloway’s back in custody, but we don’t know if there are more men out there.”

“She’ll be safe with me,” I add, my arm tightening slightly around her shoulders.

Lainey studies us for a long moment, then a slow smile spreads across her face. “I bet she will.”

Ruby’s blush deepens. “Lainey...”

“What?” Lainey’s smile turns innocent. “I didn’t say anything.”

Her eyes drop to the terrarium in Ruby’s hands. “Do you need me to take Spike for you?”

Ruby shakes her head, clutching the container closer. “No, he’s coming with us. Clay doesn’t mind.”

I nod in confirmation. “The lizard’s welcome. He’s part of the package.”

Marcus clears his throat, looking uncomfortable. “If you need anything, Ruby, just call. Day or night.”

“I will,” Ruby promises. “Thanks for coming to check on me.”

“Of course,” Lainey says, stepping forward to hug Ruby. As she does, she whispers something in Ruby’s ear that makes Ruby’s blush spread down her neck.

“Lainey!” Ruby hisses, but there’s a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Lainey just grins, unrepentant. “Call me tomorrow. With details.”

“We should let you finish up here,” Marcus says, taking Lainey’s arm. “Come on, babe.”

Lainey allows herself to be led away, but not before giving me a pointed look. “Take care of her.”

I nod, respecting her protectiveness. “Always.”

After they leave, Ruby lets out a long breath. “Sorry about that. Lainey can be...”

“Protective,” I finish for her. “Good. You should have people who care about you.”

She looks up at me, something vulnerable in her eyes. “Like you?”

I can’t help but chuckle. “Yeah, sweetheart. Like me. Ready to go?”

She nods, exhaustion evident in the slump of her shoulders. “Where are we going?”

“My place.” I pick up Spike’s terrarium with one hand, keeping my other arm around Ruby’s shoulders. “I’ll carry him to the truck.”.

We walk out to my truck, my arm around her shoulders. The evening air is cool against our skin. Ruby shivers slightly, and I pull her closer.

“Get in,” I say, opening the passenger door for her. “I’ll put Spike in the back seat.”

She slides into the seat while I carefully place the terrarium on the back seat, making sure it’s secure and won’t slide around during the drive. Then I circle around to the driver’s side, scanning the street as I go.

I start the engine and pull away from the curb, one hand on the wheel, the other reaching for Ruby’s. Her fingers intertwine with mine, small and delicate against my scarred knuckles.

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