Page 249 of Ruins
We stand in silence for a moment, both too stubborn to back down from our respective stances. But then Santo sighs again, his shoulders dropping in defeat.
“Okay,” he eventually concedes. “You’re right. It’s good that you know how to use one.”
“Thank you,” I breathe out in relief.
“But I promise you one thing,” Santo adds seriously, his grip tightening around my hands. “As long as I’m around, you will never have to use it.”
I nod, giving his hands a reassuring squeeze. “I know.”
He pulls me into his arms and buries his face in my hair. “I love you, Dea,” he mumbles.
“I love you too, Santo,” I reply softly.
Santo pulls back and presses a soft kiss to my lips, “Romeo is on his way,” he reminds. “Elena is already waiting for you downstairs.”
“Got it,” I acknowledge taking one last look at him before I rush out of the room to join Elena.
I find Elena in the living room lounging in an armchair, her presence effortless and cool. Behind her stands Riot, posture perfect, his frame filling out the tailored designer shirt like he was born to wear it. With sharp, chiseled features and tanned skin, he looks more like a runway model than a bodyguard. Even his perfectly styled hair adds to the illusion. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was here to sweep Elena onto a red carpet instead of protecting her.
“Good morning,” I greet, “You look chic,” I gesture toward her outfit; ripped jeans, ankle boots and a simple white tank that somehow looks expensive on her. With a bold red lip and her wavy ponytail she looks perfectly put together.
“You look lovely,” she responds standing to embrace me.
I hug her back, catching Riot’s gaze over her shoulder. He gives a brief nod in acknowledgement.
As I release Elena, I turn to see Santo entering the room flanked by Luca and Romeo.
Santo slides an arm around my waist, his presence grounding me as he addresses his sister. “Behave today, Elena.”
Elena rolls her eyes. “I always behave.”
Santo ignores her sarcasm. “Have you gone to see dad?”
“Yes, I saw him early this morning,” she says casually. “He’s glad I’m home,unlikeyou.”
Santo exhales, clearly used to her jabs. “I’m glad you’re back little sister, I just—”
“Yeah, yeah,” she waves him off, “Don’t get your wife into any trouble. Got it.”
Santo sighs deeply, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of my head. “I’ll see you tonight. Luca has my card, buy whatever you want.”
With that, he turns and strides out. The sound of the front door closing barely fades before Elena lets out a dramatic sigh.
“He’s so annoying.”
I frown at her, and she quickly gives me a sheepish smile. “Sorry he’s my older brother, so he’s annoying tome. I’m sure he’s great toyou.“ She waves her hand dismissively before shifting her attention to Luca “How have you been Cousin?”
Luca, arms crossed, replies “Fine.”
Elena smirks. “Still angry at me for that little prank?”
I glance between them, sensing the tension immediately. “What prank?” I interject.
Luca shakes his head once, jaw tight, and I drop it. The tension is palpable, and I don’t know what it is about Elena, but her homecoming definitely doesn’t seem welcome.
“Still stirring shit up Elena?” Romeo’s sharp smile cuts through the moment.
Elena glares at him, but ignores the jab. Instead she lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Anyway,” she drags the word out, linking her arm through mine. “Let’s go girly.”
