Page 185 of Ruins
Before I can respond, we collide with someone, the woman’s drink spilling across Katya’s dress.
“What the hell?” Katya shrieks, stepping back and letting go of my arm, staring down at the spreading stain.
“I am so sorry,” the redhead gasps, grabbing a napkin and dabbing at the fabric.
Katya snatches the napkin from her and storms off toward the restroom, leaving me alone with the stranger.
She’s beautiful—striking, really. Her auburn hair cascades over bare shoulders, her black dress a little too tight, a little too casual for an event like this. Her cat-like eyes crinkle as she offers a sheepish smile.
“I’m so clumsy. Sorry about your friend.”
“She’s my cousin. And accidents happen,” I reply, keeping my voice light.
Her expression shifts, recognition lighting up her face. “Oh, you must be Vasilisa.”
Something in her tone makes my stomach turn.
She extends a hand, her voice syrupy sweet. “I’m Rachel. Santo has told me so much about you.”
My pulse stutters.
Santo told her about me.
I take her hand out of habit, my mind spinning.Rachel. The name clicks into place. The kiss mark on the card Rachel. The woman I brushed off as a past fling. But he spoke to her—about me.
“When?” The question comes out sharper than I intend.
She tilts her head. “When what?”
“When did he tell you about me?” My voice is even, but my heart pounds against my ribs.
Rachel’s lips twitch, as if she enjoys this. “Oh. This is awkward.” She bites her lip in mock sympathy. “Don’t be upset—that’s just howthesemen are.”
“When?” My patience snaps, my tone turning cold.
Her eyes flash. “The day before—andafter—your wedding.”
The words slam into me, but she doesn’t even look apologetic.
“I don’t believe you,” I say stepping past her, intent on leaving, but she grabs my wrist.
“Was hehomeon your wedding night?” she murmurs, her grip tightening. “No? Because he was at Opulent. Withme.”
A sharp pain blossoms in my chest.
“Everything okay?” Luca’s voice cuts in, his attention locked on Rachel’s hand around my wrist. She releases me instantly, all saccharine smiles as I feel my mind shut down, retreating from the conversation entirely.
“We’re good,” she says breezily before turning and walking away.
Luca touches my shoulder, snapping me out of my daze. “Vasilisa. What did she say?”
I barely register his concern. My throat is tight. “I want to go home. Can you take me home?”
His brows furrow. “What happened?”
I swallow hard. “What’s Opulent?”
Luca stiffens, eyes flicking away for half a second. A second too long.
