Ruby’s eyes snapped open and she felt fear ingulf her as she saw herself in an unfamiliar room. Her heart started pounding in her chest and she felt tears welled up in her eyes as she jumped up and cautiously made her way to the door.
Just as she was about to open it She heard a sound behind her and she felt like she was in a horror movie as the tears started falling. She felt hands on her shoulder and started screaming while frantically hitting the door.
“Gem, it’s me,” Jaxon said and turned to face him.
Ruby’s eyes widened as she looked at his worried face and she felt relieved. She hugged him tightly and started sobbing in his embrace.
Jaxon felt his heart clench in pain as she sobbed in his arms. He held her tightly and they basked in each other’s warmth.
“It’s okay Gem, you’re safe now.” Jaxon whispered in her ears.
“Calm down baby, I’m here now.” Jaxon lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around him like a koala. He smiled as he carried her to the bead. He placed her on the bed and covered her with the duvet.
He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and gently wiped her tears with his thumb.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that Gem… but you are safe now.” He helped her sit up and passed her a hot cup of chamomile tea that was placed on the drawer.
“Thank you.” She softly whispered and started taking small sips of the tea.
After drinking the tea she passed the empty cup to him and looked at him with expectant eyes.
“What is going on Jaxon? I need you to be honest with me… please”
“I need to know the truth. I’m scared, I don’t know what I’m into. I need to know.” Ruby felt desperate as she held his hands.
“Hey… calm down Gem. I’ll tell you the whole truth but I need you to remain calm and listen till the very end.” Ruby gently nodded and Jaxon gave a small smile in return as he caressed her bandaged wrists.
Jaxon felt his heart ache as he stared at the bandages.
“I’m a member of the bratva, Ruby.” Ruby felt her eyes widen as she stared at him with a mixture of shock and fear in her eyes.
“Growing up, I realized that a part of me loved violence, it was a way of calming down and I did not need to show any emotions….” Jaxon sighed as he played with her fingers.
“It has always been a part of me, the fighting, killing, blood and gore. A part that has been nurtured from childhood to adulthood and I’ve always been good at my job. I did what I was supposed to do when I was supposed to do it and everything was going well for me because unlike most people I kept away from relationships that would weaken me.” Ruby didn’t know what to feel as she heard all these. Her head started to feel heavy from all the new information.
“In this world you are either strong or weak and the more people you care about the weaker you get because they could be used against you at any moment and I didn’t want that… I stayed away from women and my grandfather had to force me to get a wife to own the company permanently. That was when Serena came into play.”
“Serena?” Ruby’s brows furrowed.
“She’s the one I was supposed to marry, but she disappeared. That was the reason why I was angry at the restaurant that day and you came.”
“Everything was going well, I got a wife and the rumors disappeared but I made a mistake of not checking your family background deeply. Your dad was a part of the mafia too Gem.” Ruby exhaled.
“He has been in the mafia for years, he was one of the most loyal members in the family until he became greedy and made a huge mistake that cost him his life.” Ruby shook her head in denial as she still couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that her loving father was a part of such an organization.
How could the man who raised her with so much love, care and gentleness be a part of an organization that kills people? She couldn’t bring herself to believe it.
“Your dad betrayed the mafia, he embezzled some money and that was what led to his death. And the only reason why you and your sister are still alive was because he kept your existence a secret… And you were safe until you married me and the bratva got to know your real identity.” Ruby took a deep breath as she didn’t know what to feel anymore.
“They have been after you and all this time I was trying to get you off their radar and keep you safe, that was what the many phone calls were about.” Jaxon sighed as he stared at her blank face.
“I’ve told you everything now Ruby and I know you might hate me but please don’t.” Jaxon held her hands tightly.
“I know I’m a cold hearted killer Ruby but don’t hate me, I can’t bear the thought of you hating me or walking out of my life. I can endure any type of pain but not that.” Ruby felt her heartbeat accelerating and she immediately pulled Jaxon into a hug.
He sighed in relief as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his lap.
“Why would you say that about yourself? No one is allowed to call you cold hearted, including yourself.”
“I don’t hate you, I can’t even if I wanted to, I care about you too much to leave you.” Jaxon smiled as he pulled away and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
“But I’m mad at you. Why didn’t you come to save me sooner? I almost suffocated to death.” She glared at him and softly punched him on the chest.
“I’m sorry Ruby. I promise to always keep you safe.” Jaxon whispered and her smile widened as she hugged him.
“Where are we?” She asked.
“Russia.” Jaxon replied and Ruby’s eyes widened in realization.
“Can we stay for a few days?” Ruby whispered and Jaxon slipped his hands into her shirt.
“Whatever you want Gem.”