Page 53 of His Unforgettable Bride
“True, but they’re not here.”
“Iff’n you tell me where the Queen’s brooch is, I’ll leave you be.”
Juliet released an exasperated sigh. “Just go away, Ruby. Please.”
“Can’t.” Ruby’s voice dropped to a menacing tone. “Fact is, if you don’t hand over the jewels, then next time I’ll be coming with my man. And he ain’t happy with you.”
From the fresh bruises on Ruby’s face, he clearly wasn’t happy with Ruby, either.
“He said to tell you he knows those ladies you’re working for are rich, and he won’t mind raising trouble for them.”
Juliet winced. This was precisely what she’d dreaded—bringing danger to the sisters. “Please don’t harm them. They’ve not wronged you.”
Truthfully, neither had Juliet.
“Don’t matter. I’m gonna have a young'un in the spring and need that money now more than ever.”
Was it true? Ruby’s cape hid her belly. Juliet wasn’t so naïve to think a woman had to be married to find herself with child, but it undoubtedly helped. “I’m not offering to steal for you, but can I help you another way?”
Ruby stepped a pace closer, fire in her eyes. “You’ll be helping me by fetching the money or the jewels. That’s all I need from the likes of you. And don’t go warning anyone or running to the constable. It’ll only make matters worse.”
“Worse? What could be worse?”
Ruby rapped her knuckles against the tearoom’s wall. “Such a shame if this joint burnt until crispy.”
Juliet gasped, and chills raced up her spine. She tightened her shawl to her neck. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Watch me.”
“Are you mad?”
“According to some folks, I suppose.”
She could try to reason with Ruby, but her gut told her not to bother. Little by little, her strength seeped away, and she wrapped her arms around her shivering body. Tears threatened, but she fought to hold them back. “Leave.”
Juliet turned toward the house, unable to look at Ruby a moment longer. Or to even breathe the same air.
“Next time I come, have it or else…” Ruby’s hiss followed her.
Juliet didn’t look back, only picked up her pace. A scrawny tabby cat sauntered through the yard, drawing closer until Gray stepped toward Juliet. The animal fled.
Had Ruby run off as well? Please, let it be so.
The first pastel shades of dawn had inched over the horizon, daylight ready to devour the darkness. Why couldn’t the same scenario occur inside her? All she wanted was a better life.
Gray reached her, the brightening sky capturing his worried face. “What is happening?”
He guided her toward the back door, but instead of entering the house, she sat on the hard stone step, hoping the cool air would chill her feverish thoughts. What a disaster. It was like being homeless again after her grandfather died, not knowing what to do next. How would she solve her impossible problem this time?
Gray lowered himself to the spot beside her. “Are you sure you don’t want to go inside where it is warmer?”
“Not yet.” She couldn’t return to her beautiful, shiny bedroom. She’d sit on the step and sort through her king-sized worry instead. There had to be a solution, didn’t there?
“Shall we discuss what just transpired?”
“I’d rather forget it forever, forget her forever.”
“How may I assist you?” Warmth radiated off his body.
