Page 87 of Reclaim (Deadly Hearts 3)

ChapterForty-One

Layton

I watch as Ruby helps set up the guest bedroom for Tiff and Beth to stay with Linda for a few days. The four women seem to have formed a tight bond, and I’m not going to interfere with that. I originally set the room up with twin beds for my mum and Linda to stay over while I was out of town, but it’s being used for a much nobler purpose now.

“Can I have a word?” Ruby asks, sidling over and grabbing my arm to guide me back towards the sitting room.

“What’s up?”

“Do you mind if the women stay here indefinitely. I mean, I’d take over the rent and bills, but this place is close to Black Widows and,” she drops her voice, “much nicer than Beth’s place.”

“Why would I mind?” I inquire curiously.

She shrugs evasively.

“Do you think I want to keep this place to escape you?” I can’t help the smirk that plays on my lips.

“Do you?” she demands, fire in her eyes.

“Of course not. The women are welcome to stay as long as they like.”

Her temper dies down and she smiles, pulling me towards her for a kiss, which I take full advantage of.

She pulls reluctantly away and calls for the women.

When they are assembled, she says, “What would you think about staying here indefinitely?”

Beth and Tiff exchange a look that screams they want to, but they can’t afford it.

“I don’t think we could afford it, even with the two of us chipping in,” Beth says.

“Uhm three,” Tiff states in a huff. “Eventually. I mean, not right away…” She trails off and looks away.

“If that wasn’t an issue, would you?” Ruby asks. “I’m happy to pay for the rent and bills as part of your employment contracts."

“What?” Linda asks, shaking her head. “We can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking,” Ruby points out. “Tiff…what do you do?”

“I’m a stripper,” she states. “Well…was.”

“Oh,” Ruby says, and chews her lip. “I don’t have a position for a stripper. Any chance you can work the bar?”

“I’m sure I can figure it out,” she says with a nervous smile. “But…”

“Whenever you’re ready,” Ruby interrupts her. “About staying here?”

They look at each other, having a silent conversation with just their eyes and facial expressions.

“We’d love it,” Linda says eventually.

“Great,” Ruby says happily.

I know she is glad they are staying together to look out for each other and where she can keep an eye on them herself.

“We’ll leave you to it, but you know you can call me whenever, if you need anything. I’ve left a list of places you can go for groceries and take-out,” Ruby says, gathering up her things.

“The book…”

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