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But why would a man suspicious of you give you access to a room that’s important to him?
“Okay. I can do that.”
“Make sure to finish it today…and of course, I don’t need to remind you not to take anything out.”
“Of course.”
She entered the room while he was still in the office, taken aback when it looked like a storm had passed through the space. Biting back a grumble, she got to work, heaving the shelves into place at a slow pace until her energy tugged at her insides. Glancing at the door, she let out bit by bit until enough force was placed on her hands, then heaved again until all the shelves moved with ease. Ruby grinned and scrutinized the messy contents first, thinking of her next strategy.
“I’m headed to lunch. You can take a break, you know.”
“I will later. Unless you want me to leave this room while you are gone…”
“No, stay. I don’t mind.”
“Oh. Okay.
“You are not alone in the office, anyway.”
So much for his show of trust. She made a face at his back, then threw herself into her task with the single-minded focus of someone who wanted to impress. Ruby made sure James’ items and files were alphabetical and as aligned as possible, then took the time to dust the dirt out of every corner. She blew out a breath when she was done, then bent over to read the files in an open folder labeled with a familiar name.
Maddox Hendricks: early thirties, half-vampire. Skills include strength, speed, and the ability to stay in sunlight longer than his peers. Weaknesses include brooding instead of mingling with his new co-residents.
There was a weekly assessment that began with a negative tone and gradually changed over time.
Started mingling and made some friends. The report from Ollie Newton is dismissed after Abby testified that Maddox didn’t do anything, and it was Ollie who provoked him.
Confirmed with Brian that he didn’t run away nor planned anything sinister. Maddox also spoke highly of Broom’s Isle and Ruby, describing her kind soul and her vivacious spirit for life.
Her heart leaped at the last part, then swelled with emotion.
“What are you doing here?”
The voice had her whirling in guilt as she snapped the folder closed before realizing who it was. Ruby gaped, heat flaring in her cheeks.
“What are you doing here?” she asked in turn, then comprehended that he was the person James had been referring to when he said she wasn’t alone in the office.
“I have some tasks for James,” he confirmed, stepping in. His gaze swept over the room, his brows raised when he took in the neatness. Then it landed on her and lingered, sending a rush of heat down her spine that traveled below. “You?”
“Office tasks, too. Just today.”
“Mine has been for a week. But he added more just three days ago.”
Three days ago, aka right after they had the most mind-blowing sex in his house. She recognized a subtle apology when she heard it, understanding he hadn’t been avoiding her on purpose this time. But he hadn’t declared his intentions, either, so she tried not to hope too much and cleared her throat.
“I think he is going to add to mine, too, either because he is busy or wants to ensure that I won’t go missing again.”
“Heisbusy. Otherwise, he wouldn’t trust you to be in here.”
She recalled the words on file and tried not to blush. She watched his approach, a slow, decided movement that was so similar to how vampires stalked their prey. Odd enough, it didn’t send her running as a heady feeling swirled in her senses, and her belly grew tight.
“How have you been?” she asked, trying to be civil.
“Good. Not as good as when I wasn’t so busy.” The admission was prompt, his honesty piercing her. He leaned in, his hand tilting her head so he could look her in the eye. “I missed you.”
Civility went out the window as she leaned in, too, and felt the atmosphere grow hushed. “Me, too…I mean that I missed you, not that I missed myself. That would be just absurd.”
“It’s not. That night was…”
