Page 247 of Ruins
He doesn’t respond, just steps into the elevator inside the pantry, jaw tight. The doors close behind us, sealing us in silence, leaving Elena behind.
The elevator doors slide open into our closet. Santo puts me down without a word, his grip lingering for just a second before he steps back.
“Get dressed,” he grunts out.
I grab a pair of leggings and a t-shirt, pulling them on as Santo puts on a shirt. I wrap my arms around his waist, “Talk to me, what’s wrong?”
He presses a lingering kiss to the top of my head. “It’s our last night alone before everything gets too busy again.”
I look up at him, his face hardened and angry. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, pressing my cheek against his chest. “We can tell her she can come back tomorrow and I can get to know her then.”
He exhales, the tension in his shoulders easing just a fraction. Leaning down, he kisses me—slow and grounding. “Alright.”
He laces our fingers together, leading me out of the bedroom and down the stairs
Elena is in the living room with Riot, the model looking guard she came in with, “Listen, I screwed up, alright?” Elena sighs, crossing her arms. “Angelo just got back from a trip, he wasn’t exactly in a welcoming mood. It’s too late to see Dad, and—I should have come home sooner. I get it.”
Santo sighs, “Next time we ask you to come home,come home.”
She nods, and Riot’s hand skims over her back in a gesture that feels too familiar.
“Hands off my sister,” Santo snaps, his voice sharp enough to cut. Whatever restraint he had before is gone in an instant. Riot withdraws his hand quickly, raising it and backing up with a smirk.
“Understood, boss,” Riot responds, his voice smooth as silk even though the tension in the room is cutting edge sharp.
Elena rolls her eyes, clearly unfazed. Then, just like that, she pivots her attention to me. “Vasilisa, right?”
“Yes,” I smile removing my hand from Santo's to extend towards Elena.
Instead of shaking my hand, she bats it aside and pulls me into a hug. I barely have time to react before I’m wrapped in her warmth, her perfume filling my senses. “It’s so nice to finally have a sister,” she says kindly.
We part, but hold hands. “I have a younger sister, but she’s away at school, it will be nice to get to know you… tomorrow?” I ask.
She nods understandingly, “Yes, tomorrow.” She gives Santo a sideways glance. “Is that alright with you,Boss?“ she asks sarcastically.
“Don’t push it,” Santo grumbles. Elena holds her hands up in mock surrender, a smirk playing on the edges of her lips, before she pivots and heads to the front door.
“I will see you tomorrow then,” she calls over her shoulder, Riot trailing behind her like a loyal guard dog.
Their departure leaves a silence that rings heavy in the air. I turn to Santo. His eyes are still glued to the now-closed front door, jaw held tight.
I pull him out of his thoughts by slipping my hand into his. His fingers tighten reflexively around mine, his gaze shifting down to me. The anger has faded from his features, replaced by a softness that makes my heart flutter.
“We, okay?” I ask softly, looking up at him through my lashes.
“Always, you’re never the problem, you’re perfect,” he murmurs, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand. “We can deal with Elena tomorrow,” he replies gruffly.
I chuckle, but before I can say anything, Santo pulls me flush against him, lifting me effortlessly into his arms. His lips find mine in a kiss that’s deep and claiming.
He pulls back just enough to murmur against my lips, “Upstairs.Now.I need to be inside you.”
Chapter 49
Vasilisa
Myeyesflutteropento Santo’s soft kisses, gentle and lingering, turning into us making love; he’s reverent with me as if he were saying goodbye.
Even though it’s only for the day, I hate him leaving.
