Page 53 of Ruin

“Ruin? Everything okay? Is it Mimi?” And that was all I needed to hear. This choice was the right one because he was worried about her.

“Brother, her dad got worse. Heard you two were close. Could be good you came.”

“On my way. Text me the address.”

“Will do,” I answered before he hung up. I quickly texted him and moved back to stand beside Ryo. I didn’t know how long we’d wait, but no matter how much time went by, I’d stay here for them.

* * *

A maid stoppedin front of me with a tray. I took a coffee and muttered my thanks before she moved on. A couple of hours had gone by, enough for Ryo to send Botan to retrieve Cowboy from the front entrance. Footsteps approached. Cowboy followed Botan with a grim face. He wore jeans, cut, and jacket, and when he saw me, his chin lifted in greeting. I handed my mug to Ryo and approached. We hugged, slapping each other’s backs.

“Thanks for comin’, brother.”

“Anythin’ for Mimi,” he said, and when we pulled apart, I saw a red tinge to his cheeks.

I dropped a hand to his shoulder and nodded. “Good.”

His brows dipped. “I didn’t think you’d reach out after—”

“Cowboy, Mimi and I arefriends. I was a dick back then, but she’s forgiven me. I hated that I didn’t see her underlying reasons to reach out to me; instead, I brushed her off. But you’ve been there for her. You deserve to be here for her now also.”

“I’m glad you called.”

“Glad to have you here, brother. Come take a spot on the wall. Want a coffee?” I asked just as a cry filled the area.

Fuck.

It had happened.

I moved over near Ryo. We shared a look but stayed quiet. Now wasn’t the time for anything but being there for the family. The door opened, and Mimi ran out, searching through the people standing around. I straightened, as did Cowboy. She saw me, but then her gaze locked on Cowboy. Her face crumbled just before she barrelled into Cowboy with a sob. He wrapped his arms around her, one at the back of her head, the other around her shoulders.

“Darlin’,” he whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

Placing my hand on her back, I rubbed it up and down. “Always here for you, Mimi,” I said softly against her temple.

“T-Thank you, Ruin, a-and for bringing him here.”

A woman stepped up. “I shall escort you to Mimi’s suite.”

Cowboy nodded. But his eyes shot to the bedroom doorway. I looked and found Taro blankly staring out at nothing.

“Taro?” Mimi called.

He blinked. “Mother wants to be left alone for a while.”

“Is Aunty staying in with her?”

“Yes.” He cleared his throat. “Ryo, are things prepared?”

“Yes, Wolf.”

“All right.” He nodded. “I’ll need to speak with the other family members. Have a meeting organised as soon as possible.”

“Of course, Wolf.”

“Taro,” I called.

His gaze flicked over me and went back to Ryo.

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