Just as Ruby sings, “Yes, please.” And she tugs his inked hand. “I’m sorry,whatare proper manners when a host offers something?”
Humbly, Axel grins, taking a seat. “Yes, please. And thank you for the offer, Alena. Beg our pardon for the intrusion.”
“Good boy.” Ruby smiles, taking her seat, crossing her legs. “And yes, we’re sorry for the intrusion, Alena.”
I glance toward my cabin door. They closed it. Loch’s not here. Neither is Mutt. He must be taking him for a walk.
“Not a problem,” I say, brewing a few cups, turning to them while we wait. “So, what can I do ya for?”
Normally, this would be awkward as shit for me. But these past few months have been a baptism by mafia fire. Not much makes me flinch nowadays.
“Let me cut to the chase.” Ruby smiles softly. “I know about you and Axel.”
My eyes dart to him.
Forget that not flinching part.
I am.
“And it’s okay,” Ruby rushes out. “I’m not mad. I mean, never at you. You did nothing wrong. Now, was I as hot as the hinges of hell when I found out Axel didn’t tell me for months about it? Yes. Why? Because love doesn’t lie, and that’s why I’m here.”
“Whywe’rehere,” Axel adds solemnly.
“Alena.” Ruby’s brows knit, sympathetic and sincere, “I know how it feels, discovering the secrets these men have to hide, and I’m so sorry you’re hurting. I just want you to know you’re not alone, and you’re very loved. Your dad. Vale. Nadine. Hell, me too. I know we can be good friends, and it starts with the truth. And the truth is, I know about your first time with Axel, and I understand; you needed kindness, and he was there.”
I plop down on the edge of my unmade bed, overwhelmed by her compassion. “I… I… Thank you. It’s just…” Relief, then dread, suddenly flips my stomach. “Oh my god, does Loch know? I mean, Axel, did you tell him? Or my dad?”
“No. God, I mean, shit.” He blinks. “Sorry. It’s just weird hearing you say my real name.”
“Names are the least of our worries.” I wring my hands, my eyes meeting Ruby’s. They sparkle like sapphires. “Thank you.” I sigh. “Thank you for being so sweet about this. It was so long ago, and I was a desperate virgin, and it was me who?—”
“You don’t owe anyone an explanation.” Ruby stops me. “Your body, your choice, girl. I’ll fight until my dying day for it. And it’s also your story. Yours alone to tell, not mine or Axel’s.”
“Well…” Axel winces. “I kind of told Sire.”
Ruby rolls her eyes. “Of course, you confessed to him.”
“I had to.” He cocks a brow. “You don’t know what it’s been like keeping this secret, and we can trust Sire. God knows, he hides his own demons.”
“So, you’re leaving it up to me?” I like this power, this control, I’m getting back over my life. “If Loch finds out. Or my dad. It’s up to me?”
“Yes.” Ruby leans forward. “Girl, I’d be madder than a cat being baptized if I find out everything you did, all at once, and honestly, woman-to-woman, there’s more to know, but our men need to put on their big boy boxers and tell you. Not expect us women to do their emotional work.”
Yes, but Ruby’s my kind of woman because she gets it: Girl code.
“Just please know this…” Axel braces his elbows on his knees, tenting his inked fingers. “Alena, I will always protect you. On my honor, I will, but please see Loch’s honor too. He may be our baby brother, but he’s the biggest hero. He gave up everything to protect you, and hewantedto. We didn’t force him; it’s like he was born to do it, so please give him a chance.”
“He’s been miserable without you,” Ruby adds.
And I’ve been miserable, assuming Loch was giving me time to process the Bratva stuff, the bodyguard stuff, the Nash and Vale stuff.
“But what more is there to tell me?”
“It’s not bad,” Ruby assures before smiling at Axel. He smiles back before she turns to me, warmly asking, “Alena, will you please do us the honor of coming to our wedding? And we can start there?”
My pulse triples. But, I think it’s a happy beat. “But Loch will be there.”
Axel nods. “He’ll be my best man.”
