Page 16 of Ruins

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And doesn’t move.

The ignition stays on, his hands gripping the wheel tighter than usual. He doesn’t reach for the door, doesn’t throw out another teasing remark.

One look at his face puts me on edge.

Something is wrong.

“What is it?”

Pietro exhales slowly, a few strands of blonde hair slipping from his top knot, framing his sharp jaw. His hand lifts, cupping my face so gently it makes my chest tighten. His piercing eyes lock onto mine.

“I’ve been reassigned.”

His thumb brushes my cheek, his touch lingering like he knows what this means for me, like he knows I’ll hate what comes next.

I shake his hand off, my pulse hammering. “No. You can’t. I’ll call Maksim, this isn’t fair—”

I fumble for my phone, but my clutch is missing.

Of course, Pietro already thought of that. He reaches into the back seat and hands it to me. “Maksim is the reason I was late to meet you.”

My stomach drops.

“When you go in there,” he continues, pointing toward the front door, “your father will have news for you. You will take it. And you will make us proud.”

I know what that means.

I’vealwaysknown.

This moment has been looming over me for years, and yet, somehow, I thought I’d have more time.

But knowing doesn’t make it easier.

The sting behind my eyes comes fast, the lump in my throat growing thick, impossible to swallow. But I force it down anyway, willing the tears tostay put.

This must be it.

They’re making me marry Jude.They’re making me a politician’s wife.

Thiscan’tbe happening.

Despite my efforts, a single tear escapes.

Pietro catches it before it can fall, his hands framing my face again. He presses a firm kiss to my forehead, the warmth of it steadying me, even as my world shifts beneath me.

Then, just as quickly, he releases me.

He steps out, walks around, and opens my door.

I take a few short, sharp breaths, trying to push down the emotions clawing their way to the surface.

Shoulders back. Chin up.

I unbuckle myself, stepping out of the car, nodding at Pietro in silent thanks.

Then I turn toward the house.

Toward my fate.

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