Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
I take a breath, trying to rein in the anger. But it’s hard. All I want to do is tear that guy apart, limb from limb. Instead, I step forward, my voice low and dangerous. “You don’t have to handle this alone,” I growl, each word heavy. “I’m not gonna let that asshole hurt you again.”
Ruby looks up at me, her eyes wide with something that stops me cold. It’s not just fear of the ex. It’s fear of me—of the intensity in my voice, of the situation spiraling out of control. She takes a step back, her arms wrapping around herself protectively, like she’s trying to shield herself from whatever’s coming next.
“Pope, please… don’t,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “I don’t need you getting involved. I can handle this.”
But I can see the lie in her eyes. She’s scared, and the thought of her facing this alone makes my blood boil even hotter. “Ruby, you don’t have to handle this alone,” I repeat, softer this time, though the edge in my voice is still there. “I’m not gonna let him—”
“You don’t understand,” she cuts me off, her voice cracking. “This… this is exactly how it started with him. All that protectiveness, the intensity. It felt like safety at first, but then it turned into something else. Something controlling.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I never imagined Ruby would see me that way. The idea that she’s afraid I’ll become like him—like her ex—is almost enough to knock the wind out of me. I take a step back, stunned. She’s afraid that history’s repeating itself, that my need to protect her is going to turn into the same kind of control her ex wielded over her.
Damn it. I’ve been walking a fine line without even realizing it. On one hand, I want to tear the guy apart for what he’s done to Ruby. On the other hand, I know if I push too hard, I might lose her—might scare her off completely. She’s already on edge, already pulling away. One wrong move, and I’ll be the reason she shuts down for good.
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to soften. I can’t come at this the way I want to—full throttle, fists swinging. Ruby doesn’t need that. She needs control over her own life, her own choices. I can’t be another guy who tries to take that from her.
“I’m not him,” I say again, my voice gentler now, quieter. “I know you’ve been through hell, but I’m not that guy, Ruby. I’m not gonna push you, and I’m damn sure not gonna control you.”
I take another step back, giving her the space she clearly needs, even though every fiber of my being is screaming to pull her close, to protect her from whatever storm her ex is bringing. “But I’m here,” I add, locking my gaze on hers. “I’ll always be here. You need anything, you let me know. We’ll handle it together—your way.”
She stares at me, relief flickering across her features, but there’s still that shadow in her eyes, that wariness that hasn’t gone away. She nods, barely, and whispers, “Thank you.” Her voice is soft, so soft I almost don’t hear it, but it’s there.
I watch her closely, my chest tight with the weight of everything unsaid between us. I want to do more, to fix everything, but I know this isn’t something that can be solved with brute strength or quick fixes. This is deeper, more delicate. So I’ll wait. For her.
As Ruby walks away, my mind races. I know this fight with her ex isn’t over—it’s just beginning. And as much as she might not want me involved, there’s no way I’m standing on the sidelines for this one. My protective instincts are too strong, too ingrained. I’ll give her space, sure. But I’m not letting her face this alone.
Not now. Not ever.
Chapter Seven
Ruby
The library looms above me, a skeleton of wood and steel stretching into the night sky. The air is heavy with the scent mountain and pine, and the glow from the work lamps casts long, flickering shadows across the ground. It’s late—too late for us to still be here—but there’s unfinished business, and not just with the construction.
I watch Pope from across the room, the steady rhythm of his hammer the only sound breaking the silence. His jaw is tight, his shoulders tense as he works, and I know why. We’ve been circling around the same issues for weeks now, never saying what we really mean, and tonight, it feels like something’s about to break.
My heart pounds in my chest as I stare at him, frustration and fear warring inside me. Pope isn’t just pushing me to make decisions about the library; he’s pushing me to let him in, to break down the walls I’ve worked so hard to build. And it terrifies me because I don’t know how to trust him. How can I, when every time I’ve let my guard down before, I’ve gotten hurt?