Page 14 of Ruins
As we gather our things, I steal a glance at Pietro.
Maybe I can convince him to talk to Maksim. Maybe, justmaybe, I can get permission for Luna and me to go to Exile soon.
A night out with her might be exactly what I need.
***
Jude isrambling,his voice too loud, too eager, filling the back of his father’s town car like an unwelcome echo. The city lights blur past the windows, streaks of gold and red cutting through the dark.
The stench of alcohol rolls off him, thick and nauseating, making my stomach twist. His words slur together, tangling into one long, incoherent mess. I stop trying to follow, letting his voice fade into the background. Instead, I focus on the steady hum of the engine beneath us, the familiar rhythm grounding me.
We’ve been together for a couple of years now, thoughtogetherfeels like a stretch. Ever since he moved away for grad school, it’s been more of a long-distanceobligationthan a relationship.
His father—the mayor—is in the middle of a re-election campaign, and Jude?
Well… he’s just Jude.
Handsome in his designer suit, sure, but that novelty faded fast when I realized we have nothing in common. His entitled, shallow worldview grates against everything I believe in, everything I know to be true.
But I never chose this.
Maksim asked me to date Jude back in my freshman year—as a favor to the family. And I agreed.
Because that’s what’s expected of me.
Because no matter what I might want, my future isn’t mine to decide. My sister and I have always been pawns, groomed for arranged marriages that would strengthen the Bratva’s alliances.
I just never imagined I’d end up as the wife of a future politician.
That’s all Jude talks about these days—politics, strategy, his grand plan to one day be president. The thought ofhimat the helm of an entire country sends a shiver down my spine.
I barely register the question he’s just asked, nodding out of habit as the car rolls to a stop. Relief floods through me.
Finally.
I reach for the door, eager to escape, but before I can, Jude moves closer, his lips crashing against mine. His tongue is sloppy, pushing against my lips, demanding entrance.
The taste of vodka and desperation turns my stomach.
I press my hands to his chest, pushing him away gently.
I hate when he drinks.
“I should get inside,” I say softly, hoping he’ll take the hint.
“Of course.” Jude nods sharply, unbuckling himself and stepping out to open my door.
The second I step into the cool night air, his hands are on me—pressing me back against the car, his arms caging me in.
Too close.
“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, his breath thick with alcohol. “I just miss you so much, and every time I’m home, we have to make these appearances for my family. Please, move to Seattle. Live with me.”
His lips find my cheek, trailing downward along my jaw.
I turn away, trying to maneuver out of his hold, but all that does is give him access to my neck.
I place my hands firmly on his chest, pushing slightly. “I have two years left of school. And my family—you know they have opinions.”
