“No, I don’t want casual. I much prefer a sugar-aholic, spitfire lawyer. A natural beauty with a slightly crooked nose.”
She raised her hand to her face.
He moved it away.“I’m quite fond of it.”He demonstrated by kissing the tip of her nose, both cheeks, and then moved over her lips before pulling back.“And I’m not comfortable with this either, Rubina. If that makes you feel any better.”
“Actually, it does. Not much, but a bit.”She paused before continuing,“There hasn’t been anyone else.”
“It’s too late for that now. You’ve already told me there have been others, and I’ve already envisioned bloodying them.”
“No, I mean it’s never been like this, for me, with anyone else.”She searched for the words, and dropped her hand to his chest, helpless.“I’m not good at this. This mushy stuff.”
“Querida, I wouldn’t want you any other way.”He gave her a feathery kiss.“There’s been no one else for me. Not like this.”He held her close, delighted with her.“Let me show you.”
“Again? You are a sex maniac.”
“No, not that . . . not yet anyway.”He sprang to his feet, grabbed his pants from the floor and produced a scrap.
She took it gingerly and gasped.“That’s—”
“Yes, it’s yours.”
“You said you’d get rid of it.”She eyed him warily.“Are you a hoarder?”
“No, I said I’d take care of it. It seems you started to matter to me before I realized it.”
“I, I don’t know . . . it’s all so fast.”
“You needn’t say a thing.”
She kept her eyes on his as she pulled him back to the bed.
Their bodies communicated what neither was ready to say.
✧
Later, when they lay tangled together in sleep, Tara returned to Ruby in her dreams.
“You didn’t keep me safe. You won’t keep her safe.”
“Who?”Ruby stepped forward.
“Me.”Tara’s hair lightened. Amber eyes turned hazel. Toffee skin paled to wraithlike white. Susan stared at Ruby, eyes pleading.“He’s coming for me.”
“Who?”Ruby turned to see tousled brown hair and a cocky grin.
“She’s mine.”He spread his lips in a snarling smile.
“No, she never was, you bastard. You’ll never be free again. You’re going to rot in Mardova.”
As he shook his head, his hair thickened into a mane as black as the heart of darkness. Piercing blue turned to steel. He grew until he filled the room.“I’m too clever for that. Mardova or dead. And I’ll kill anyone that stands in my way. She’s mine. Stand aside.”
“No. I won’t let you have her.”
He lifted a kitchen knife and walked slowly toward her.“Your death will be slow and painful. Like the woman’s.”
Ruby looked back toward the closet. In its place stood a twin bed. On it laid a woman with dark blonde hair and hazel, unseeing eyes.
“You’re too late.”
“Susan! No!”
Ruby thrashed against strong arms.
“You’re safe. It’s me, Emilio. I have you. You’re safe.”
She pushed up on her elbow and leaned forward, filling her lungs as he stroked her back.
“You can go back to sleep. It’s early.”
“No. Not while he’s still out there.”
“Nobody will hurt you. I’ll make sure of it.”
“I believe you. But you can’t protect me from my own nightmares.”
“If only I could, Querida.”
She kissed him gently.“You can go back to sleep.”
“No, I’ll make coffee.”He rose.
“The coffeemaker can be touchy.”
“Rubina, really?”
“Sorry, I forgot for a minute. You sure don’t look like an e-man.”She passed her gaze over him.
“And I’m the sex maniac?”
She eased back and stared at the ceiling, willing herself to settle.
Emilio returned with steaming mugs.
“You’re drinking coffee now?”
“Yes. Even I cannot make tea from thin air.”
“Right. I guess I haven’t gotten around to stocking anything except necessities.”
“Yes, sugar is crucial to one’s survival.”He waited for her to gulp half her coffee before asking,“Where did a lawyer learn to fight like that? Even in sleep, you’re formidable. Do they teach martial arts in law school?”
“No, I’ve been training since I was sixteen.”
“Why?”
Ruby closed her eyes and considered how to navigate this new territory. Looking him in the eye, she began,“When I was sixteen, I had a crush on a boy at my school.”
“What were you like at sixteen?”
“Innocent, naïve. I wore frilly skirts and my hair long. I took everything I did seriously—student council, schoolwork, softball.”
“Surprising. You’re so cavalier toward your engagements now.”
She half smiled, at him and her younger self.“I thought I knew everything.”
“Also far different than now.”
Ruby chucked a pillow at him.“Hey, do you want to hear my story or not?”
He propped himself on the pillow.“You have my undivided attention.”
“And now that I do, I don’t know how to continue.”
He reached out and took her hand.“You don’t have to.”
“No, I want you to know.”She gazed at her bright orange wall and saw her past.“He was a rule breaker. That he seemed slightly dangerous was part of his appeal. I know, it’s cliché. Good girl attracted to a bad boy. But there it is.”She braced herself against the headboard for the next part.“It was a small school. He knew about my crush.”She clasped a pillow to her chest.“On a Saturday in June, he came for me. My parents were hit or miss on the alarm. They missed. And he wasn’t alone. He brought in a buddy. Three others waited in his car. They had me restrained and drugged before I was fully awake. It wasn’t long before the drug took hold and I was out again. They took me into the woods a few miles from my house. I came to while they were raping me. I couldn’t do anything to stop them.”She shut her eyes against the stabbing pain of remembering.
Emilio eased her from the headboard and held her close.“You’re safe. I have you.”
“After that night, I heard them in every sound. I’d jump out of bed screaming. Amy helped me figure out how to take my power back. I vowed to never be helpless again. Instead of vulnerable, my body became a weapon. I could fight back. No longer exploited and violated, no longer a victim—I became strong. I trusted my body again.”She pulled back and searched his face.“I can only imagine what you must be thinking.”
“Some of us are born or thrust into unimaginable situations. It takes immeasurable strength and courage to rise above them. And more to help others through theirs as you do for your clients. I couldn’t admire you more.”
“I, I didn’t expect that.”Spent by the telling, she relaxed into the warm acceptance of his embrace.
He eased her onto her side and kept his arm around her—tight.
Soon, she slipped into a dreamless sleep.
✧
Upon waking, Ruby stretched and wondered when she’d last had this feeling. Rested. Smiling, she replayed the night before, and frowned as she reached the end. I blubbered in his arms like a fool, she thought. She looked at his side of the bed, empty, with disappointment. I’m not surprised. I’d run from my past too if I could. Hell, I’ve tried. She grabbed a pillow and covered her face.
“Ah, she’s moved.”
She yanked the pillow away and found herself beaming at the sight of him. I’m hopeless, she thought. She went for casual.“You’re still here.”
“I am. How do you feel about it?”He asked.
Responding to the uncertainty in his eyes, she said, “I’m glad,”she admitted.
He smiled and swooped down for a lavish kiss.
“And I’m h
ungry.”Hope bloomed in her eyes.“Could you rig me a FastFare for cinnamon rolls?”
“Not even I could transform your paltry stock into sustenance. I have a better idea. Hurry and we’ll make it.”
“But—”
“Yes, I’m well aware we have dragons to slay. It’s not yet time for it. And you won’t need it where we’re going, though some consider it a castle.”His eyes danced.
“Gabriella Center. Is your mom cooking?”
“She says breakfast is her best meal.”
“Is she right?”
“It’s comparing a sunset to a waterfall.”
“I had to fall for a romantic.”She nudged him, humor lively in her eyes.
“Did you?”He trailed his hand along her side.
Unable to say the words, she shrugged.“It’s a figure of speech.”
He studied her.“Very well, Rubina. Lead the charge.”
She stopped in the doorway to the bathroom.“I’m not very good at this. The morning after. You’re the first I’ve had here.”She raised her hands, grasping to convey these newly stirred sentiments.
He moved to her and took her hands.“It’s new for me as well. We’ll figure it out together.”
“You know, I haven’t had my coffee yet. I could use a pick-me-up. Care to join me?”
“Yes, I do. But real food awaits us. We don’t have time for both.”
“Your priorities mystify me.”
✧
“You brought me here for stick pastry and hot chocolate?”Ruby asked.
“I had a feeling you’d find the menu palatable,”Emilio said.
“What are those?”She pointed to a scalloped platter filled with small rolls.
“Those are savory, not sweet. They’re filled with ham, cheese, and sausage.”
“I’ll have another sugar stick. What’s it called?”
“A churro.”He passed the platter with a grin.
“Wait a minute, you’re not grimacing. What’s the deal?”
“I came by my nutrient-dense creations honestly. Family recipes, you could say.”
“The cinnamon rolls. And now these churros. It’s the Martín conspiracy.”She chewed and contemplated.“I suppose the same rules can apply. The trickery ends at my taste buds, understood?”She gestured with her churro.
He mustered a serious expression.“Yes, I’d never dream of crossing you. I have no doubt you’d wield that weapon expertly. Death by sugar stick, as you call it.”
“A delicious end.”She finished off her breakfast and brushed sugar from her hands.
Gabriella appeared and hugged Ruby with her free arm.“Have you had enough to eat?”
“Yes. It was delicious. I wish we could stay, but we have to get to the office.”
“Cafécortadoto go?”
“I caught coffee. I never refuse it.”
“Sin leche, por favor,”Emilio added. "It’s a Spanish espresso. I asked for yours without milk.”
“Would you come with me?”Gabriella asked.“I could use a hand.”
Emilio started to stand.
Gabriella pushed him down with an affectionate tug to his ear.“Give us a minute, Mijo.”
“Vale.”
Out of earshot, Gabriella asked,“I could ask you what your intentions are for my son.”
“Gabi, I—”
“But I believe they’re clearer to me than they are to you. It’s the province of being an old woman. I can read the eyes of the young.”
“You’re not old, Gabi.”
“My work keeps me young.”
“He’s not at all what I expected.”
“I brought him into this world, and he still surprises me. I’ve seen many after him for devious reasons.”
Ruby started to speak,“Gabi—”
“No, Cariña, you don’t need to tell me. I know enough about you, your work. Your intentions are pure. I think, like my son, you are unaware of the brilliance of your own light. Maybe you’ll discover it together.”
“Gabi, I’m not sure what to think of . . . us, I guess. He’s starting to matter, you know? I’m not ready for this.”
“When I found out I was pregnant with him, I was so afraid. I wasn’t ready. I didn’t have a good example for a mother. How could I be a good one? Sometimes what we’re not ready to enter into our lives becomes one of the best parts.”
“I can see where Emilio gets his persistence.”
“Take your café and be off. You’ve a big day ahead. Ten cuidado. Stay safe.”
“Thanks.”
“Wait, there’s always time for besos.”Gabriella embraced Ruby, kissed her cheeks, and waved her into the dining room.
Ruby handed Emilio a travel cup as he fell into step beside her.“Here, your mom says it’s your favorite. And she gave me enough kisses for both of us.”
“What’s your mother like?”
“Imagine the opposite of Gabi.”
“Sounds dreadful.”
“She kept me clothed, fed, and sent me to good schools. Others have it much worse.”She looked up and saw that her description pained him.“Gabi’s wonderful. What does Mijomean?”
“It means son. Mi hijo.My son.”
“That’s sweet.”She turned and grinned.“Yes, Milo was a good nickname for you. More apt than I’d realized.”
“Is it?”
“Mi Emilio. Milo.”She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.
“Yes, it’s a good one.”He clasped her hand.“Yet another endearing quirk.”He said.
“What?”
“Your proclivity to nickname.”
Chapter 18
“Audio?”Ruby asked.
“Check,”Justin said.
“Visual?”
“Crystal,”Emilio said.
“All right. Send me in.”
They watched on-screen as Ruby appeared, walking toward the waiting area. Another screen showed Stuart Johnston leaving the elevator.
“That bag is too big for case files,”Emilio said.
“A travel-sized kill kit. Handy. He’s turned pro,”Justin said.
“Focus,”Ruby said.“We have one crack at this.”
The suite door opened as Johnston approached.“Ms. Miller.”
“Let’s not waste time.”She motioned him into the conference room.“Please, take the head. It’s not every day I receive such an important visitor.”
“You have a reputation for flouting authority.”
“I can acknowledge when I’ve overstepped. Your commitment in this case has been admirable.”
“It’s in service to my community, and my dear friend.”
“Yes, and out of respect to you, I wanted to show you the results of my investigation. Your cooperation and speedy delivery of discovery didn’t go unappreciated.”Ruby signaled the screen.“We found tire tracks consistent with the vehicles of Susan and Jerald Combes at the cabin.”
“Of course. It’s as I said. She followed him.”
“And tracks for your vehicle.”
“Obviously, I found Jerry.”He walked to the window and bowed his head.
“And the fourth vehicle—”Ruby broke off as Stuart whirled.
“Fourth vehicle?”
“Yes. This one.”Ruby brought up a photo of the rattletrap parked near Susan’s barn.“We had a hard time locating it.”She waited. When he said nothing, she went on,“Don’t you want to know where it’s parked?”
“Yes, yes. Where?”
“On an old farm property about twenty miles from here.”
“It must belong to an accomplice.”
“An accomplice?”
“Jerry suspected Susan was sleeping around. When he confronted her, she admitted she had a lover. She rubbed his face in it.”
“A lover,”Ruby repeated.“This is news.”
“Yes, I should have realized before that Susan had an accomplice. You’ve done good work, Ms. Miller. Who else have you presented this evidence to?”
“Nobody else. Let’s work tog
ether, Stu. Let’s follow the evidence. You and I, together, will get justice for Jerry. We’ll know what really happened.”
“Yes, I believe we would. It’s only a matter of time, and you’ll have it all figured out. You’re smarter than I expected.”
“Thank you, but there’s more. Why do you think Susan would cheat on Jerald?”
“She said he was a disappointment in the sack.”
“That’s interesting. I talked to Deanna Connelly—his neighbor. She seemed pretty pleased with Jerry’s sexual performance.”
Stuart’s brow lowered.
“I hope you don’t mind, while we’re here, if I bring up another client charged by your office. I know you allow leniency for helpful information. You’re determined to find the head of the new coke ring that’s been the bane of your existence. You’ve adamantly told the media so on countless occasions.”
“Why yes, it’s a special interest. You know any information is welcome. Please, do tell me what you uncovered. I have officers primed to act on any credible information.”
“The ringleader is . . . Stuart Johnston, Kaye County Attorney.”
He kept his back to her and his face blank.
“I’m sorry, Stu. Do you prefer a different title? Kingpin, perhaps? Drug Lord? King Cokehead? I’m unfamiliar with the terminology. I predict you’ll lose your legal title, so let’s make sure they address you properly.”
“What gave me away?”
“You told the citizenry you’d take drugs off the streets, ramp up punishments, and crack down on crime. But your conviction rate is atrocious. At first, I thought you were ineffective—another overpromising and under-delivering politician. Do you fuel addictions and direct the shadow dwellers? Who would miss them—these purveyors of illicit substances? It turns out they’re sons, daughters, friends. People are more complicated than you realized, and have relationships you cannot understand. And they’re smarter. A low-level dealer, dispensable in your eyes, helped to bring your entire organization crumbling down around you. A federal task force is tracking down your cokehead buddies because of the records she kept.”
Ruby cued the next image as Stuart spun and trained a handgun on her. The silencer at the end hung menacingly between them.
Raising her hands, she asked,“Do you recognize that man?”
“No, I’ve never seen him before.”
“Do you have a twin, Stu?”
The Veiled Cage (Lady Lawyer Series Romantic Suspense Novels Book 1) Page 19
