"Blackwater Falls looks after its own," I say. "And you're one of us now."
"Am I?" She glances at me. "She said the same thing, but I've only been here three days."
"You live here. You work here. That makes you one of us." I bump my shoulder gently against hers. "Plus, you're my neighbor. That means you're under my protection whether you like it or not."
She laughs, but there are tears in her eyes. "You barely know me."
"So? I know enough." I know she's brave. I know she's a good mother. I know she's been through hell and came out swinging. "Besides, we're friends now. Friends look out for each other."
"Friends," she repeats softly, like she's testing the word. "I can't remember the last time I had a friend."
"Well, you've got one now."
We reach our street, and I can see both our houses ahead. Ruby's steps slow as we approach, like she doesn't want the walk to end.
I don't want it to end either, which is dangerous as hell.
"Thank you," she says when we stop in front of her porch. "For walking with me. For being here yesterday. For everything."
"Stop thanking me." It comes out rougher than I mean. "You don't owe me anything, Ruby."
"I know, but—"
"But nothing." I take a breath, forcing myself to soften my tone. "You need help, I help. That's what friends do."
She shifts Liam's sleeping weight, "Why do I get the feeling you don't let many people be your friend?"
Too perceptive. "Because I don't."
"Then I'm honored." She smiles. "Truly."
I should leave. Should put distance between us before I do something stupid like offering to cook her dinner or asking her to hang out or—
"Do you want to come inside?" The words are out of her mouth before I can escape. "I could make some coffee? It's not much, but it's the least I can do after you walked me home."
No. I fucking should say no.
"Yeah," I hear myself say. "Coffee sounds good."
Her smile widens, and I'm fucked. Completely and utterly fucked.
Because King was right. I'm getting distracted. But standing here looking at Ruby's tired, hopeful face, I can't bring myself to care.
Chapter 6 - Ruby
I can't believe I just invited him inside.
The words left my mouth before my brain could stop them, and now Chaos is following me up the porch steps, his heavy boots thudding against the worn wood. My heart is pounding in my chest as I fumble with my keys, his presence behind me making my hands shake.
What am I doing? I don't invite men into my home. I don't trust men period. Every man in my life has either abandoned me, betrayed me, or tried to control me.
But Chaos isn't like them, a quiet voice inside my head whispers. He's different.
Is he? Or am I just desperately lonely and latching onto the first person who's shown me kindness?
The lock finally turns and I push the door open, stepping into the small living room that still doesn't feel like home. Moving boxes are stacked against one wall, half-unpacked. The furniture came with the rental—a sagging couch, a scratched coffee table, and a lamp with a crooked shade. Everything about this place screams temporary, which is exactly what it is.
I've learned not to get comfortable anywhere.
