Page 81 of Velvet Corruption

“I didn’t know she was yours—” Danny stammered, trying to justify himself, trying to save his skin. But he was out of his league, and he knew it.

“She’s not,” I said, tightening my hold. “But she sure as hell isn’t yours, either.”

I should have been focused on the bigger picture, on the fallout of this, on Tristan. But all I could think about was Ruby and how damn close she’d come to getting hurt.

Danny’s fear was pathetic, a stark contrast to the way Ruby stood there, unyielding. I felt the tension ease slightly, knowing I’d bought us time.

But it wasn’t over.

Not yet.

“Run along now,” I said. “Does your wife Katrina still work at General? How old are your children now? Sixteen and twelve, right? If you utter a word of this to my brother, they’ll pay the price. And it won’t be pretty. You’ll be very lucky if Katrina can collect disability. Do you understand?”

Danny nodded—fast and terrified, all the color drained from his face.

Behind me, I heard Ruby gasp.

Good.

Let her gasp. Let her remember who I was. Let her know exactly what I was willing to do when it comes to keeping her safe—even if it scared the shit out of her.

I should have been focused on the bigger picture. The fallout with Tristan, the risks of protecting Ruby, the enforcer’s trembling form.

But then Danny ran.

Took off like the coward he was, disappearing into the shadows without a backward glance. Good. That was one less variable to manage.

Ruby turned to go too—like she could just walk away from all of this. Like she wasn’t still shaking. Like she hadn’t just put herself in the middle of something she didn’t understand.

“Be more careful,” I said, reaching out to catch her arm.

She pulled away like I’d burned her. “Don’t touch me.”

I grabbed her elbow, firm, just enough to make her stop. “You don’t get to do stupid shit and pretend it didn’t happen. You almost got yourself killed.”

Her eyes flashed. “I didn’t ask for your fucking help.”

“No,” I snapped. “You never do. But by my count, that’s twice in two days that I’ve saved your fucking life.”

She yanked harder, and I didn’t let go. We were too close again, too angry. My hand clenched just a little tighter. “You think you’re untouchable, but you’re not. You’re not. And if you keep playing games like this—”

Her palm cracked against my cheek.

A second of silence. One heartbeat.

Then everything unraveled.

She twisted, shoving at me, trying to get free—but I reached for her again, faster this time. We both stumbled, feet slipping on wet wood. She tried to regain balance, but her heel hit the edge of the dock.

Her body tilted.

Her arms flailed.

“No—!” I lunged.

Missed.

And then she was gone.

---