Page 55 of Velvet Corruption

Kieran laughed, taking one tiny step back and leaning against the car in the spot next to mine.

I opened the door a crack and glared at him.

“I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

I huffed in frustration, pressing the phone’s speed dial with my thumb. I didn’t have time to deal with him. Now that I was out of the ER, my main concern was my daughter. If Kieran wanted to hang around, I guessed that was his prerogative.

“Julian?” I said when he picked up.

"Hey, Ruby," he said. He sounded tired. "How’s your hand? Are you okay?"

"I didn't need surgery, so there's that. How's Rosie? Are you still at the office?"

He paused, probably hearing the exhaustion in my voice. “No; once the deposition was over, we came to the condo. You sure you're okay?”

“I—” I started, but stopped myself. “It’s fine. I just need you to bring Rosie home.”

There was a shuffle on his end, like he was pacing, or maybe chasing after her. “She’s already asleep. I think it’s best if she stays with me tonight. You had to show up to my office, with ananny I've never seen before, when she was already running a high fever."

"You were in a deposition. Alek was picking up his sister from the airport. I did my best."

"You did the right thing, Ruby," he said. "It was annoying, but it was right. I can take care of our daughter tonight. You take care of yourself."

I pinched the bridge of my nose. He sounded too damn calm. “Jules, I can—”

“I know you can, Ruby,” he said, cutting me off. “But you need to rest, especially now. How are you going to look after her when you can't take care of yourself?"

“That’s rich coming from you,” I snapped. “Just bring her back.”

There was another pause, too long, and I knew he was trying to measure his words. “Ruby, don’t make this harder. She’s happy here. And you—you’re doing this to yourself.”

"I didn't break the fucking halogen lightbulb you insisted on installing, actually. That was all you," I said. "Can I talk to her?"

"She's asleep. I'll tell her you called."

“Fuck you, Julian.” The words came out before I could stop them, seething with more desperation than anger.

“I think what you mean to say is 'you're welcome'. Take care of yourself, seriously.” he said—pity laced through every word, like he was offering an olive branch.

I hung up, squeezing my eyes shut. My good hand shook as I tried to shove the phone into my pocket. Julian always played the same game, and I hated that I was always two steps behind.

Kieran uncrossed his arms, unfolding himself from the side of the car. He didn’t say anything, but there was a flicker in his eyes—amusement or pity, I couldn’t tell.

“Don’t,” I said, trying to keep the tremble out of my voice. “Not one word.”

He didn’t smirk, didn’t push it. He just held my gaze, and I felt exposed, like I was back on the call with Julian, but this time it was Kieran holding the strings.

I stared at the steering wheel, knowing I should try again, but my body refused to move.

Finally, Kieran’s voice broke the silence. “Looks like you’re in a bit of a bind.”

I slammed my good fist against the dash—hard. Pain exploded through my knuckles, sharp enough to steal my breath. It didn’t help. It never fucking helped.

“Just fuck off,” I hissed, my eyes stinging.

There was a beat of silence. Then, casually:

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