“He took the fall for me.”
“No crime was committed. He shot her to protect you. Got it?”
I nod.
“I can stay so you don’t have to be alone with him.”
“Please do.”
“Sure. Boss says you’re his girl now. Gotta protect you in his place.”
“How long have you known him?”
“My whole life. We grew up together. Like brothers.”
“This Cassie…did he love her?”
“Wasn’t that kind of relationship. Business deal. Nothing more.”
My heart sinks a little. Isn’t that what I am to him? He said our relationship was contractual or something.
“Is she okay?”
“No. She died.”
On instinct, I go to place my hand over my mouth. “Shit.”
“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Don’t feel sorry for her. She tried to kill you.”
He’s right. She did.
“You’re lucky that it’s a superficial wound. Barely nicked you. You should be discharged soon enough.”
“Oh my God,” Brookie cries out as she enters my hospital room. “I just heard. I’m so sorry, Ruby. I’m a horrible friend.”
“I know you are,” I tell her, and she winces.
“I deserve that.”
“I’m going to step into the hall and check in with Boss’s lawyer.”
“Thank you…”
“Shaw.”
“Thank you, Shaw.”
“Who is that,” Brookie hisses, sitting in the chair he just vacated.
“Theo’s best friend.”
“Hook a girl up.”
“No,” I deadpan.
“You’re really mad at me, huh?”
“I don’t even know right now.” Tears burn in the creases of my eyes.
