Page 212 of Ruins
Bad news is coming.
“What happened?”
He exhales, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “Maksim’s flight landed last night.” He hesitates, then delivers the blow. “He brought your mother with him.”
The air leaves my lungs. A cold dread spreads through me, curling around my ribs like ice. My mother, in the hands of Maksim—angry, scornful Maksim—is a nightmare I have feared more than any other.
I push the covers away, my voice urgent despite the tremor beneath it. “You have to go.”
Santo cups my face, shaking his head. “No, I don’t have to go. He didn’t ask for me.”
“But Ineedyou to,” I whisper, my throat tightening. “You need to make sure Mishka doesn’t lose control. Please.”
Something flickers in his expression; understanding, resignation. Then, his features soften. “Of course I’ll go. I’ll check on her.”
A shaky breath escapes me as I lean into him. His arms fold around me, his lips pressing to my forehead, his hand rubbing soothing circles along my back as if he can quiet the storm inside me.
By the time I step out of the shower, dressed and still trying to steady my nerves, Santo returns to the room.
“You look far too beautiful for me to be leaving,” he says, his gaze trailing over me, dark and devouring.
I glance down at the simple white dress I had hurried into, nothing remarkable about it, but in his eyes, I might as well be adorned in diamonds.
A half-smile tugs at my lips. “I should be saying the same to you.”
He stands tall, striking in a crisp black button-down that fits snugly over the broad lines of his chest. The sheer presence of him—commanding, effortlessly powerful—steals my breath.
He steps closer, taking my hands in his. “I promise it won’t take long,” he assures me, voice steady, unwavering.
I bite my lip to keep it from trembling. “Please be careful.”
His thumb traces over my knuckles; he lifts our joined hands to press a lingering kiss to them.
“Always,” he murmurs, then flashes me a knowing look. “I have a surprise for you downstairs.”
A mix of excitement and apprehension swirls in my stomach as I follow Santo downstairs. The moment I catch a glimpse of Luna in the living room, all anxiety vanishes. I sprint toward her, and we collide in a squealing embrace, jumping up and down like schoolgirls, utterly unbothered by the stares from Nico, Romeo, and Luca. When I finally pull back, my face aches from smiling so hard.
Luna grabs my hand and gasps as her eyes land on the glimmering ring adorning my finger.
“This is huge!” she exclaims, wide-eyed. “This whole place is huge! Girl, you lucked out.”
Santo clears his throat behind me, and Luna chuckles knowingly. He walks over, his touch possessive yet gentle as he pulls me snugly to his side, his arm wrapping around my waist.
Luna’s gaze flicks between us, sharp with realization. She hums, lips curling into a smirk.
“Damn.” She tilts her head, eyes glinting with mischief. “Does he have a brother?”
Santo’s smile deepens, amusement flickering in his stormy eyes. I can feel heat creeping up my neck under Luna’s perceptive gaze—she’s always been able to read me like an open book.
Before I can respond, Nico steps forward, his expression serious as he looks at Luna but speaks to Santo.
“You ready to go?”
“I don’t need you to take me, Nico,” Santo responds coolly. “I’m heading there alone. Maksim doesn’t know I’m coming and I need you here with my wife... unless Angelo needs you?”
Nico’s answer is immediate, his gaze flickering to Luna. “No, I’ll stay.”
Santo nods before turning to me. Without warning, his lips crash onto mine in a kiss that steals my breath, sending a shiver down my spine. His hands tighten briefly at my waist before he pulls back, leaving me dazed as he makes his way to the front door.
