Page 15 of Ruins
Jude pulls back just enough to look at me, his brow furrowing.
“But they arranged this, they arranged us.” His voice is quieter now, edged with frustration. “Why would they have a problem with us being together? With you moving in with me?”
His eyes darken, searching mine for something Ican’tgive him.
I exhale slowly.
Jude only knowshalfthe truth when it comes to my family.
He doesn’t know about therealreason Maksim picked him. Doesn’t know about the clandestine dealings, the hidden alliances, the unspoken expectations that come with being Bratva.
And heneverwill.
I press harder against his chest, and this time, he finally steps back.
“Let’s discuss this another time,” I say, avoiding Jude’s intense gaze as he pleads with me. His emotions hang heavy between us, thick enough to suffocate. “It’s not as simple as you think. I need time.”
His brow furrows, confusion flickering across his face. “What do you mean? You know how much I care about you.”
I take a step back, trying to put distance between us. “I know. But please, I just… I need time to sort things out.”
Jude’s expression shifts in an instant—his frustration flaring as he closes the space I just created.
“Is there someone else?”
I shake my head quickly. “No, it’s not that. I just need space tobreathe.”
But even as the words leave my mouth, I know they aren’t entirely true.
Jude exhales sharply. “Fine then.”
His tone is cold now, clipped. He steps aside, finally letting me pass. I don’t look back as I walk up the driveway.
This is always how it ends—with Jude dropping me off at the gate, leaving without a second glance.
I greet the guards with a forced smile, relieved by their presence as they push open the gates. As Jude’s town car pulls away, another set of headlights rolls up—an SUV with its engine rumbling low and steady.
Pietro.
He’s late.
He must’ve made a detour with that pretty brunette from the charity event.
The window on the passenger side slides down, revealing his lopsided grin.
“Get in, gorgeous.”
“Pietro!” I scold, climbing into the vehicle. The familiar scent of his cologne wraps around me, soothing in a way I don’t question. “The other guards canhearyou. And Maksim would not like that term of endearment.”
Pietro chuckles, the sound easy, familiar. “What? Maksim knows I adore you. We’re close in age. And it’s all platonic…unless you don’t want it to be.”
I roll my eyes, but a smile tugs at my lips.
I slap his arm playfully, and he gives me a gentle shove back. The easy familiarity between us lingers as he drives down the long, winding driveway toward my home.
Silence settles between us—not awkward, not heavy, just… comfortable.
Until he parks in front of the house.
