Page 13 of Ruins
Not Luna.
She never flinched, never looked at me differently. If anything, she leaned in closer, like sheenjoyedthe chaos. She loves my family, reputation and all.
We slide into our usual booth by the window, lattes steaming between us, a plate of food already half-demolished as we talk and laugh.
Luna’s brown eyes glint with mischief as she leans in, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper.
“Can you get us into Exile?”
I pause mid-bite, my panini hovering in front of me. “You know Maks doesn’t like us going to his club without him knowing,” I murmur, avoiding her gaze.
Luna groans, stabbing at her salad with unnecessary force. “Please, Vasi.”
Then come the puppy-dog eyes.
“I’ll even ask Maks myself if you give me his number.” She wiggles her eyebrows, grinning.
I snort. “You’d love that, wouldn’t you?”
“Obviously.” Luna grins, all confidence and mischief.
“But no,” I say, my tone softening at her persistence. “You don’t know Maksim like I do.”
She shrugs, smirking. “He’s always been sweet around me.”
I huff a laugh. “That’s because you’remyfriend.” I lean in, lowering my voice like I’m letting her in on some great secret. “It’s a different story for the women he… dates.” I grimace.
Luna rolls her eyes, unconcerned. “I’m sure I can handle it. What about him?” She nods toward someone behind me.
I don’t have to turn around. I already know who she’s talking about.
Pietro.
My guard. Maksim’s soldier. A shadow that follows me everywhere.
“No.”
Luna sighs dramatically. “Why not? Do you still have alittlecrush?”
Heat crawls up my neck. “No.” I try to sound casual. “I’m with Jude.”
Luna fake gags, loud enough that the couple at the next table side-eyes us. It only takes a second before we both dissolve into giggles.
No one likes Jude.
Not even me anymore.
I swallow the thought before it can go anywhere, before I have to acknowledge what it really means.
I’d end it if I could.
But Maksim wouldn’tallowit.
I sigh, checking the time.
Obligation calls.
Maksim expects me at the charity event with Jude, and there’s no getting out of it.
