Page 5 of Freeing Ruby

As for first impressions, she makes me think of Rapunzel—the long-haired princess trapped in a tower. In her own way, this girl is just as trapped as that fairytale character.

I notice a smudge of light blue paint on her cheek, and a closer look at her fingertips reveals more paint stains. I smile, hoping to put her at ease. “I hope we aren’t interrupting your work.” When she frowns, I gesture to her fingers. “You have paint on your fingers. You must have been working.”

“Oh.” She glances down at her hands. “Yes. I mean, no, it’s fine. I was expecting you.”

Ruby skims me once more from head to toe, her gaze wary. Her arms are crossed, and she’s gripping her biceps. She’s skittish and looks ready to bolt. My heart goes out to her.

Her gaze goes to the duffle bag slung over my shoulder. “Edward told me you’d be staying.” Her voice is quiet.

I nod. “That’s the plan. I mean, if it’s okay with you.” I don’t offer to shake her hand because I’m sure that’s the last thing she’d want. “I’m here to find out who’s harassing you.”

Her blue eyes narrow. “For how long?”

I shrug. “As long as it takes, I guess, or until you kick me out. Whichever comes first.” I chuckle in an attempt to lighten the mood. “It’s totally your call. I want you to feel comfortable.”

As she stands there absently rubbing her arms, I get the feeling her oversized sweater is a crutch, mostly there for comfort, like a security blanket. It’s certainly not cold in here.

McCall opens his arms wide. “Hey, kiddo, how about a hug?”

As soon as she directs her attention to her godfather, her expression morphs instantly, revealing a beautiful smile. She steps into his embrace, and he wraps his arms around her and gives her a tight squeeze. He kisses the side of her head. “Let me know if you need anything, sweetheart. I’m just a phone call away, day or night.”

She nods. “I will. Thanks, Edward.”

“Will you be okay?” he asks her. “I should get back to the office. I’ve got a client coming in at eleven.”

Sighing, she nods. “I’ll be fine.”

Edward heads for the door and releases the locks. As he opens the door, he looks back to give me an encouraging nod. “Thanks, Miguel. Please keep me posted.”

“Will do, sir,” I say, giving him a parting salute.

As soon as McCall is out the door, Ruby rushes forward to lock it, her movements clearly well practiced and efficient. Still facing the door—and away from me—she covers her face with both hands and exhales heavily.

As we stand there in awkward silence, I put myself in her shoes and think about how I’d feel in her place. Scared, suspicious, maybe even threatened. Things must have gotten really bad for her if she’s willing to let a complete stranger into her sanctuary.

And let’s face it, she doesn’t know me from Adam. I probably make her nervous as hell. “I’m sorry if my presence makes you uncomfortable.”

After dropping her hands and turning to face me, she puts on a brave face. “Please don’t apologize. It’s Miguel, right?”

I nod.

“I know you’re here to help. I trust Edward—he’s been looking out for me ever since my mom—” She stops abruptly, as if she said too much. “He’s a good friend. Probably my only friend.”

“I’m housebroken.” I smile in an attempt to lighten the mood. “I clean up after myself, and I promise I don’t bite.”

I’m rewarded when I see the corners of her lips turn up in a hint of a smile. Her slender shoulders rise as she takes in a deep breath and glances around the room. “I’m so sorry my manners are rusty. I’m not used to having company.” Her hands flutter nervously as she gestures around us. “As you can see, it’s a pretty small place. There’s just what you see here—living room and kitchen—plus two bedrooms and a bathroom down the hall.” She frowns. “I turned the spare bedroom into my art studio, so I’m afraid there’s only one bedroom.”

“That’s okay.” I motion to the sofa beside us. “I can sleep here, if that’s all right.”

She eyes me, then the couch. “I doubt you’ll fit.”

“I’ve had far worse accommodations, believe me.” I smile, so she doesn’t take offense. “Really, this will do fine.” I set my duffle bag on the floor next to the sofa. “Care to show me around, so I can get the lay of the land?”

“That won’t take long.” She almost smiles. “The kitchen’s there, as you can see.”

Between the kitchen and the living room is a small wooden table with four chairs, obviously her dining area. Beyond the glass door is the balcony filled with plants.

She gestures toward the hallway behind us. “The bedrooms and bathroom are this way.”

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