Page 43 of Reclaim (Deadly Hearts 3)

ChapterTwenty-Two

Ruby

I knock lightly on the apartment door and Beth opens it, her hair tied up in a bun on top of her head, a dressing gown draped over her body, clad in comfy looking pj’s. I resist the urge to sigh with longing and smile.

“Hey.”

“Come in,” she says, moving back so Tiff and I can pass. “I’m Beth,” she adds, closing the door.

“Hi,” Tiff says quietly.

“I’ve run you a bath and there’s coffee or tea, whichever…”

“Wine?”

Beth glances at me warily, but I shrug. She doesn’t seem the type to abuse alcohol to drown out her problems. There again, I don’t know her.

“One glass and then bed,” I decide for them both.

Tiff seems happy with that. Or probably just happy that someone is taking control of the situation for her, so she doesn’t have to think. Thinking is the hardest thing. You just want to drift off into oblivion.

“Do you need some help?”

She shakes her head and allows Beth to direct her to the small bathroom. She shuts the door.

“Don’t lock it,” I say firmly.

“Okay,” she whispers back, already the tears falling now that she is alone.

My heart wrenches and my guts twist. I can’t leave her.

“She’ll be okay,” Beth says. “I’ve got this. Are you okay?”

I glance at her. “Fine. Why?”

“Well, you disappeared without saying goodbye a few weeks ago and I haven’t heard from you until you show up at my door with an abused woman. Plus, no offense, but you look like hell.”

“Well, thanks.” I glare at her in annoyance. “But yeah. I’m okay. Needed to get away. Are you okay?”

“Me? I’m great. Don’t know if you heard, but someone took that snake Jake out. Best day, ever, finding that out.” She gives me a knowing look.

I nod slowly. Worst day ever for me, but hey ho. Just shows you that one man’s treasure is another man’s trash, or something like that.

“Great,” I murmur. “Listen, I don’t think anyone will come for her. I dealt with the asshole who had her. He won’t be going anywhere ever again, but just to be on the safe side, don’t answer the door to anyone or go out for a few days. Layton or Ramsey will be back tomorrow and will bring whatever you need. Do not open the door for anyone other than them or me. Okay?”

“Got it,” she says. “But I expect this to be paid holidays off work.” Her smirk tells me she is joking, but I take her quite seriously.

“Of course. You know I wouldn’t shaft you.”

She nods, giving me a grateful smile. “Now go home and get some sleep, you really do look like shit.”

I roll my eyes at her. “So kind. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Or the next day. Honestly, we’re good.” Then she lowers her voice to add, “If things get really bad with her, I'll ring you.”

I nod and without another word, I slip out and slide back into Adam’s Hummer.

“Where to now?” he asks.

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