Page 20 of Ruined

But my body betrays me, surrendering to fatigue that seeps into my bones.

The last thing I remember before darkness claims me is the steady sound of Noah's breathing across the room, and the thought that tomorrow, somehow, I need to escape this beautiful monster who's decided that I belong to him.

I wake to the vibration of my phone. The screen lights up the dim room as I quickly grab it before the sound can wake Evelyn.

"What?" I keep my voice low, moving toward the window to put distance between me and the bed where she's still sleeping.

"Good morning to you too, sunshine." Matteo's voice comes through, too cheerful for the hour. "Just checking whether our guest is still breathing or if you've scared her to death."

I glance back at Evelyn. She's curled on her side, one arm still wrapped protectively around that violin case. Her hair spills across the pillow and I allow myself a second to appreciate how peaceful she looks compared to the fury and fear of last night.

"She's fine. Still sleeping."

"And you? You good with this whole situation?"

I turn back to the window, looking out at the skyline. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Matteo says, his voice dropping the playful tone, "that I need to know you're sure about going further with this. You've crossed a line, Noah. Taking her like that?—"

"I didn't have a choice."

"There's always a choice. And now we have to deal with the consequences." He pauses. "I need to inform the Ferettis."

My grip tightens on the phone. "Why the fuck would you do that?"

"Because Ivan had men at her place. This isn't just about you wanting to play hero for a pretty violinist. This is business now."

"Damiano doesn't need to know for now."

"He already suspects something. Word travels fast. Those men you put down? Their bodies were found. Questions are being asked." Matteo sighs. "Look, I'm not saying we hand her over, but Damiano deserves to know what's happening on his turf."

I watch a bird land on the railing of the terrace, then take off again. "Fine. But I talk to him. Not you."

"Whatever you want. Just don't wait too long. And Noah…?"

"What?"

"You need to figure out what your endgame is here. Because protecting her from Ivan is one thing. Keeping her against her will is another."

I end the call without responding and turn back to look at Evelyn. Her breathing is steady, face relaxed in sleep—so different from the woman who fought me like a wildcat last night. The morning light catches her hair, turning the brown strands almost golden against the dark linen.

I need to think. Clear my head.

Moving quietly across the room, I grab fresh clothes from the dresser and head to the bathroom. I lock the door behind me—not that I think she'll wake up anytime soon after the night she had, but old habits die hard.

The shower hisses to life, steam quickly filling the space. I strip and step under the scalding spray, letting it pound against my shoulders and back. Water sluices over the tattoos that mark my skin—reminders of promises, losses, power.

What the fuck am I doing?

Ten months of watching her from a distance. Now she's in my bed, and I've started a war with the Russians.

I press my forehead against the cool tile, letting the water beat down on my neck.

Matteo's right. I need an endgame here. I can't keep her locked up in my apartment forever, no matter how much the thought appeals to me. Sooner or later Ivan will track us down. And Damiano…shit. Damiano's going to want answers about why I've dragged the Feretti family into this mess.

The soap slips through my fingers, hitting the shower floor with a dull thud. I pick it up, working it into a lather across my chest and arms.

I could take her somewhere else. But that's just delaying the inevitable. Ivan won't stop looking. And now that she sent that message to her sister...

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