Page 40 of Bought By Santa

“Ruby!” I interrupt, not in the mood for her games. “Spare me your games and just tell me what the hell you’re doing.”

“Fine,” she relents. “I did as you asked, I offered a donation to the place and took the opportunity to meet Willow. She’s… she’s an interesting person, you know. I actually like her.”

I’m surprised by her sincerity; Ruby doesn’t like many people, but judging by her tone, and the small smile grazing her lips, she does indeed like Carolina’s sister.

“So I’ve spent some time with her. I’ll admit I didn’t expect to like her, but I do.”

I nod. “So why did you threaten her?”

She rolls her eyes again. “I thought that’s what you wanted, Nick. Why else ask me to go there if it wasn’t to help keep your chosen pussy in check?”

Even though that’s not what I want, or need, her reasoning makes sense. And if I’m honest with myself, it is why I askedRuby to check the place out. “Fine,” I relent. “But no more games. Leave Willow alone.”

My sister pouts. “I like spending time with her, Nick. She’s a breath of fresh air. She’s so… positive.”

Narrowing my eyes, I lean closer. “No more threats, Ruby. Especially not to Carolina. If I hear you’ve crossed me, I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” she volleys, anger rolling from her as she balls her hands into fists. “I told you that I only did it because I thought that’s what you wanted. If you don’t want me thinking for myself you should stop giving me vague instructions.”

I let out a dark chuckle. “You got it,” I agree, glad I don’t have to finish the empty threat. We both know there’s nothing I won’t do for her.

Besides, it makes me feel like a shit to even threaten her. Especially, when the only thing I could take from her is what little freedom she has. Ruby only goes where she’s told, which I suppose is what’s expected of a Mafia princess.

“Can I ask you something, Nick?”

“No,” I reply curtly, already knowing I don’t want to hear whatever is on my sister’s mind.

Ignoring me, she asks anyway. “What are you doing with Carolina?”

I keep my face schooled in indifference, though inside, a primal possessiveness claws at my chest. Carolina ismine,and no one has the right to question that—not even family. “Carolina is not up for discussion, Ruby,” I say, my tone final.

“You can’t be serious.” She crosses her arms, her every word laced with venom. “Carolina has all but abandoned her sister. Her. Sister. In that cold home. Is that really the kind of woman—”

“Enough!” I shout, unable to temper my anger. “Not that Willow’s situation is any of your business, but it’s temporary.”

Ruby huffs, and I see her resolve waver just for a second. She knows better than to cross me when it comes to matters of the family, so this must be important for her to challenge me in my own home. “Come on, you know I’m right,” she argues. “She’s not good enough for you.”

Studying my sister, I narrow my eyes, trying to find any clue as to what this outburst is about, but I don’t find anything. “Not another word about Carolina,” I growl.

To my surprise, my sister throws her hands up in the air, sighing audibly. “Nick… I just… it’s her sister. No one should abandon family like that. How do you even know she’s going to be a good mom—”

I don’t give her the chance to finish her sentence. With a few steps, I walk around the table between us, gripping her shoulders so hard she winces. “What the hell has gotten into you?” I roar. “Why do you think it’s okay to come into my home like this? To make demands?” Her eyes widen, and I can’t say I blame her since I’ve never laid hands on her before. For Carolina, I’d fucking kill my own sister.

She opens her mouth, probably to spew more venom, but then she thinks better of it and closes it again. When I’m sure she’s got the message, I let go, taking a step back from my sister. “Anything else?” I ask, forcing my tone to be cordial.

Lifting her chin, Ruby meets my gaze. “You’re playing with fire, Nick.”

“Then let the flames come,” I reply, a smirk tugging at my lips. “I’m not afraid of getting burned.”

Ruby shakes her head as she slowly moves toward the door. “If you’re that confident in your chosen pussy, why not bring her for dinner tonight?” Without waiting for my reply, she leaves, and I make a mental note to tell my people not to just let her wander into my home like this.

The door slams with the finality of a judge’s gavel, and Ruby’s exit leaves a cold void in its wake. I shift my stance, my hands flat on the mahogany desk, knuckles pale. Anger simmers within me, a controlled burn.

Shaking my head, I turn back to Marco, who’s remained quiet during Ruby’s brief visit. He knows better than to get involved in Knight family drama. Good man. “Make sure everything’s set for the dinner tonight,” I command, my mind already shifting gears.

“Of course, boss,” Marco replies, his tone suggesting he understands the underlying urgency without question.

As he, too, exits, I sink into my leather chair, eyes closing briefly as I collect myself. How dare Ruby speak of my hellcat with such disdain? The thought ignites something feral inside of me. Carolina is mine—a raw truth that pulses through every vein.

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