Chapter 56
Ruby paused at Jaxon’s sudden confession and when he saw that she wasn’t saying anything else, . He tried to pull away but Ruby wouldn’t let him. She grasped his hand tightly and tugged him until he faced her.
“Jaxon, I’m very sorry that I defiled your orders and left?” She apologized again, unable to hide the pain in her voice. Her eyes had turned glassy but she fought to keep from crumbling in front of him.
“Please say something,” she pleaded. Ruby pulled at his sleeves to get him to look at her. In truth, to get any reaction out of him at all. She wasn’t used to Jaxon showing no emotion especially when you did something to piss him off.
“I’m sorry about what I did, I shouldn’t have gone there.” Ruby apologized in a shaky voice. She was so close to letting her tears fall. She had apologized to him when they were on the plane, but she felt the need to do so again. Maybe because she needed more reassurance.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
One moment she was in front of him as she simply held onto the sleeve of his shirt, and the next, she was swept into his arms in a bone-melting hug.
“It’s okay.” Jaxon murmured as he stroked her back in an effort to comfort her.
Everything was becoming messed up, her assault and the sudden news about her parents. She was not safe from the bravata.
Ruby relaxed against him taking greedy breaths of his perfume that clouded her senses.
He smelled of whiskey, dew and something she couldn’t quite place her finger on. It reminded her of the scent of the air after it rained, or cozying up to a fireplace during cold nights. It was comforting.
Ruby didn’t know how long she stayed pressed against his chest, but she relished it. She had let her tears flow until they created an evident damp patch on his shirt- something that Jaxon would complain about later.
She snuggled deeper into his chest as he continued to stroke her back and whispered sweet nothings to her.
“Ruby…”
“Hmmm,” she forced her eyes open, already falling asleep from his soothing. Jaxon placed a hand under her chin and brought her face up to his.
Ruby swallowed as she stared at his lips just inches away from hers. His warm breath fanned her face and she caught a whiff of the meal they’d just eaten.
“Distracted?” He chuckled and her eyes snapped to meet him, only to find him already looking at her. Jaxon hardly smiled, but now he was. That was a new one.
Heat rushed to her cheeks and she scolded herself for getting caught staring. Jaxon’s chuckles grew louder just as her face got redder.
“You know, you’re cute when you’re embarrassed.” He commented with a satisfied smirk. Ruby thought to smack the smirk off his face, he was clearly enjoying teasing her.
“I wasn’t looking!” She defended herself and just as soon as the words were out, she immediately regretted them.
Jaxon smiled like a cat who’d gotten a bowl of cream. “Did I say you were looking?”
Ruby didn’t look at him, instead she admired the porcelain floors, suddenly finding them interesting. To Ruby’s relief, Jaxon didn’t tease her any further.
“Ruby, look at me.” He demanded, no, commanded Ruby thought. She raised her head and met his eyes reluctantly. They didn’t give anything away. His poker face was rock solid that Ruby found it hard to believe he had forgiven her.
“Don’t ever think about leaving me again.” He said. His words were laced with… Worry? Ruby thought she could have imagined it but she did not dwell too much on it.
“So do you understand me?” He asked. He placed a possessive hand around her waist and pulled her against him. Ruby felt the rapid pounding of his heart on her chest. It was beating almost as fast as hers.
“I understand.” She replied.
“Good.” He traced a thumb down her cheek then added, “never try to pull that stunt again.” His tone had lost the gentleness of earlier.
“I won’t.” Ruby swallowed as the unpleasant memories came crashing back on her. How could she even think to do something like that again when she’d almost been… She didn’t want to think about it.
She had almost been one of the many victims of assault she’d often seen on TV. She pushed the painful thoughts out of her head and forced herself to look at Jaxon.
His eyes told a story of their own. Different emotions swirled through them but before she could pinpoint one of them, he blinked and they were gone.
Ruby placed a hesitant hand on his cheek then after gaining more courage, she flicked a lock of his golden hair away from his eyes. Jaxon stared at her with wide eyes. Whether from surprise or annoyance she couldn’t tell but Ruby sincerely hoped it was the former.
“I’m sorry.” She apologized again. He pressed his hand firmly on her back making her hyper aware that they still stood head to shoulder.
“I know. Gem” He said as he traced a finger across her lips. His wandering fingers moved firm her lips to her neck, shoulder before his hand went to join the other on her waist, caging her in.
“I promise I won’t act so impulsively again.” Ruby rushed out.
“I know. Gem” He responded just like before making Ruby question if he was actually listening to her. She carried on either way.
“And I promise not to leave you again.” She said and his eyes sparked. So he was listening. “Please don’t say “I know” again.” She added before he could reply. His chest rumbled as a small chuckle left his lips.
“I…” He started just to tease her.
“Jaxon!”
“Fine, I’ll stop now.” He said as a smile curved his lips.
“Now, as I was saying, I won’t leave you so long as the contract stands.” Ruby stated. His smile faltered but didn’t drop. His eyes flickered and he lowered his head until their foreheads touched.
“I won’t let you leave me.” He said in a low voice that made Ruby shiver.
He raised his head again and Ruby felt the gentle brush of his lips against her forehead. It was a fleeting moment but Ruby felt like he had burned her. Jaxon straightened to his full height and stared down at Ruby. He stepped back from her and Ruby instantly felt cold as jaxon’s body heat no longer enveloped her.
“I need to leave and I think you should get some rest.” He told her.
“I’ll see you later then.” He said a moment later and she nodded absentmindedly. With that, Jaxon left, leaving Ruby to her thoughts.