Page 47 of Destroy (Deadly Hearts 2)

ChapterTwenty-One

Ramsey

Idon’t know what to think. In fact, the more I think, the more confused I get. It isn’t about another guy joining us in this relationship, it’s the fact that it’s Declan’s twin. How weird is that going to be? I have never met this guy but how much does he look like Declan? Enough to fool Ruby and that worries me. I don’t want her to have to wonder which one is which every time she’s with them. It’s stress she doesn’t need.

I look up from my simmering silence when I hear her and David coming down the stairs. She is smiling and seems happy. That’s a good sign, right?

“Hey,” she says shyly.

“You okay, sweetheart?” Layton growls as I go to her and kiss the top of her head.

“Yeah, I’m good. Honestly, I haven’t felt this good in a while. David tells me that you had a discussion about Cillian.”

I nod.

“And you’re all okay with whatever is going on?” she presses.

“What is going on?” I blurt out.

“Not sure yet,” she replies candidly. “He gets me and it’s nice to have someone in the same business as me, even if it’s here.”

“About that…” Layton starts, but she shakes her head.

“I don’t know,” she interrupts. “I really don’t know.”

We all turn to look at Layton when his phone rings and we see it’s Declan on a video call.

“Princess,” he growls. “Did Layton take good care of you?”

She nods. “He did buuut, he’s too soft. I need you back here.”

Layton splutters as I stifle a laugh. I don’t think anyone could accuse Layton of being soft. He’s one of the hardest men I know. But with her, he’s different.

Declan smiles at her. “Not long now.”

“When you come back, I want to go home,” she says. “I’m ready.”

“Are you sure?” I ask with a frown.

She nods. “Yeah. It’s time.”

“If you are absolutely sure, we can do that,” Declan says. “But you’re welcome to stay with me mam for as long as you like.”

“She’s the best, honestly, but I need to get back. Hiding out here is adding to my anxiety.”

“Okay,” he says. “Give me two days and then I’ll be back.”

He hangs up and she looks up at me, “Drive me home? I want to talk to you about something.”

I blink, surprised, but say, “Sure.” I take the keys that Layton holds out and wait as she says her goodbyes.

Once we are in the Range Rover and have set off in the general direction of Declan’s mum’s house, Ruby says, “I need you to move in with me.”

“Uhm,” I stammer, wondering where this is coming from. Trauma? Fear?

“I know how it sounds,” she says with a soft laugh, “but I’m not asking you to move into my bedroom. Just my house. With David and Declan and hopefully, also Layton. I haven’t asked him yet.”

“So I’m third on the list?” I ask with a smirk. I’m not insulted, just surprised.

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