Page 62 of Cruel King

“Know what?”

“What you’re going through and if you ever need to vent or talk about it, I’m here.”

“So rather you than someone else, right?” The accusation is out there before I can stop it.

Her eyes narrow, but she smiles. “Well, yes. But I do mean it in a friendship sense, Summer. I know how hard it is, and I don’t want you to have to pretend if you’re feeling overwhelmed.”

“Sorry,” I murmur. “And thank you.”

“I can see it in your eyes, you know. The weight of everything you’re carrying.”

I blink, surprised by her perception. “What do you mean?”

“Your relationships with Ciarán and Cathal,” she continues gently. “The sacrifices you’ve made for them, the risks you’ve taken. It’s not easy being involved with people like them, especially when their world is so dangerous.”

I shift uncomfortably in my seat, unsure of how to respond. Ruby’s words resonate within me, making it difficult to breathe. She’s right; the life I’ve chosen isn’t an easy one, and the price I’ve paid for it has been steep.

“It takes incredible strength to face what you have,” Ruby adds earnestly, her gaze unwavering. “You should be proud of yourself, Summer. Not a lot of people could handle it.”

“Thanks, Ruby,” I reply, touched by her sincerity. “But sometimes I wonder if I’m strong enough, or if I’ll just end up dragging them down.”

“They’re lucky to have you,” Ruby insists, her tone fierce. “And don’t ever forget that you deserve happiness, too, even in the midst of all this chaos.”

Her words hit me hard, bringing tears to my eyes, which I blink back.

“You’ve got this, Summer. And you don’t have to face it alone.”

I feel a powerful surge of gratitude for Ruby’s unwavering support and understanding. Though my life with the Gannons is fraught with danger and uncertainty, having a friend like her to lean on gives me hope I can withstand the emotional and physical toll I know it’s already taking on me.

“Focus on the good, on the love you share with Ciarán and Cathal. That’s what will get you through this.”

“I’ll do my best to remember that.”

“Good,” she says, her eyes sparkling with determination. “Because I have no doubt that you’re strong enough to one day dip your toe into deeper waters.”

Frowning, I swallow as my mouth goes dry. “What do you mean?” Although I know exactly what she means, and it never even occurred to me.

She smiles innocently and takes a sip of her coffee. “Whatever you want, Summer, we’ll talk about it and make it happen.”

Snatching up my coffee, I take a sip, my mind swirling with what she has offered me. How do I respond to that? Thanks, but no thanks? Thanks, and yeah, we’ll talk? Do I tell Cathal and Ciarán what she’s offered?

“Just think about it. Nothing more, for now.”

Nodding, she lets me off the hook as she looks at her watch. “I need to get going, but I enjoyed our time together.”

“Same,” I say, replacing the cup and standing up as she does.

She leans in to give me a double air kiss and then she sweeps out on a cloud of expensive perfume.

After a moment, I follow her and slip into the car as Thal holds the door open for me. The heavy atmosphere hits me like a tidal wave as he gets in and slams it shut, and they both turn in their seats to face me.

“Hey,” I greet them, trying to sound casual despite the tension in the air.

“Well? What did she want?” Thal demands.

I bite my lip, contemplating how much to divulge about our conversation. The concern etched on their faces makes me hesitant to reveal the full extent of what we talked about.

“Just stuff. She’s worried about me and wanted to offer her support.”

---