Page 13 of Ruined By the Rook


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Clare

I’m sitting here at the counter in the kitchen working out a payment plan for dad’s medical bills when the intercom sounds. I march over to where the phone hangs in its cradle by the front door and hesitantly pick it up.

“Hello?” I ask.

“Miss Santiago, this is Meg from reception.”

“Uh, okay?”

“Mr. Salinski let us know he was away and if we had any deliveries to contact you.” Relief washes over me, Luka must have a parcel down stairs.

“Yeah, of course I can come down and collect the package for my brother now.”

“Oh, thank you but the package is addressed to you Miss Santiago.” Shocked and confused as to who the hell sent me something, I tell Meg I’m on my way. I snag my keys and lock the door behind myself as I head down to reception to help them sort out this mix up because there is no way someone sent me something––I don’t have anyone who cares enough to send me shit. I tap my foot anxiously as I wait for the elevator to hit the lobby. It still baffles me how my brother who grew up modestly like me can live in such a lavish place like this. When the car finally comes to a stop and the doors open, I sigh in relief as I head for the reception desk. A blonde woman beams at me when she sees me approaching, her name tag reads Meg so I smile kindly as I come to a stop.

“Hi, I’m Clare?” I don’t know why I voiced it as a question and mentally facepalm myself.

“I am so jealous. He is just the sweetest little thing.” I cock my head to the side and screw my face up thoroughly confused at what she is meaning.

“I don’t––” The words die in my throat when she bends down to retrieve something, when she places the little cage on the desk my eyes widen and I gasp. “Bob?” I keep darting my gaze between the little Yorkshire terrier and the woman behind the desk. “He––I mean, I don’t… he can’t…” I can’t string a coherent sentence together. As if my hands have a mind of their own, they reach out and open the cage door. Bob whimpers before leaping into my arms. I hold him close to my chest and nuzzle his head.

“There is a note, Miss Santiago.” I cut a glance to Meg to see a cream colored envelope in her hand. I settle Bob into my side as I thank her and grab the letter. I tear it open feeling Meg’s gaze on me the entire time.

Your phone must be broken!

You blew mine up non-stop and when I return the favor your phone suddenly doesn’t ring and my messages bounce back? I can’t help the chuckle that breaks free.

So, to say I’m sorry for being a dick I sent you a gift which I think at least warrants a thank you call.

P.S. I still think it looks like a fucking rat!

Beaming from ear to ear, I snag Bob’s crate, thank Meg and rush back to the elevators. The ride back up seems to take longer than getting down. As soon as the doors open, I race back to Luka’s and manage not to drop Bob or the crate as I unlock and open the door. I drop the crate by the living room and race to my room to grab my phone. I unlock it and quickly scroll through my settings to unblock Rook and hit dial. My stomach is in knots as I wait for him to answer. The longer it rings, my hope begins to dwindle that he’ll answer.

“Pyro.” I smile so wide it hurts at hearing his voice and my old nickname.

“You got me Bob!” I screech. I hear him muttering something to someone before a door closes and then his voice fills the line again.

“Your boss was excited as fuck to wrap the thing up and send it to you.” I purse my lips.

“He is not a thing! Bob is just a baby. I’m so thankful you were sweet enough to get him for me, Rook, but…” I close my eyes not wanting to see the look on Bob’s face as I say what I do next. “I can’t afford a dog, Rook,” I whisper and pray I don’t piss him off.

“Why the fuck not?” he snaps.

“Because I can’t. I’m with Luka and I can’t afford a place in the city, let alone food for a dog–” Knocking at the front door has me pausing and rushing out of my room to answer it. I assume it’s Meg and I forgot to sign for the package, so I don’t check the peephole. I just swing the door open and stare like an idiot. Rook reaches out to grab my phone from my hand and ends our call as he brushes past me. I don’t miss the fact that he didn’t jump away from me when he brushed up against me. I snap out of my stupor and push the door closed then chase after Rook. I find him in the living room gazing out the windows. “Rook, what are you doing here?” He slowly turns to face me with an unreadable look on his face.

“I was in the lobby, I saw your face when you realized that therat––” I pin him with a scathing look that has him backtracking. “The dog was yours. I’m not letting you give it up.” I look down at Bob who is now nestled against my chest and sleeping soundly. I gently pat his little face and smile before turning my attention back to the man who just bought me my first ever pet.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am so thankful you got him for me and honestly I love that you did it but I can’t afford to keep him.”

“Why the fuck not?” I pin him with a look that I hope conveys my frustrations.

“I have to pay rent, food, utilities as well as my father’s medical bills. Out of those four things I can only afford two so I guess I’ll have no food or hot water,” I say with a shrug. His eyes darken as his upper lips pulls back in a snarl that has me confused as hell.

“Why the fuck isn’t yourbrotherhelping you?” All the air rushes out of me and I drop my gaze to the floor, too ashamed to hold his gaze as I answer.

“I don’t know. I think he’s still angry Dad and I left without a trace.” Rook snorts.

“Yeah I know the feeling but here I fucking am still trying to help you when I should run for the fucking hills.” I slowly lift my gaze back to his, dart my tongue out to wet my lips and relish in the way his eyes track my every move.

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