Page 13 of Veil of Web and Ruin

‘Wouldn’t you like to know?’ I chuckle lightly. ‘Although, actually, I could do with a favour.’

He rolls over so that he’s propped up on his elbow. ‘Of course. What do you need?’

Chapter 5

What I need is an alibi. I thought Kay might actually squeal when I told her I was heading to Ruben’s for the rest of the evening, even though I reiterated thejust friendsline countless times. I need to work out how to convince her that that’s all we are, but there’s no way I can do that and explain our current situation.

Kay is still innocent enough to envisage marriage to the man of her dreams; she wouldn’t be able to fathom the possibility of having sex with someone just because it feels good.

She’d expect moonlit strolls through the slums, planning out the future together, children, a home …

That’s what she wants. A happy ever after. And she deserves it.

Me? I’m just grateful for every week we survive.

‘So where are you going tonight?’ Ruben asks again as I walk out with him, a bag slung on my back. ‘I know we never mentioned whether we were doing this with other people, and I’m not trying to say you can’t do whatever you want, of course you can, but you know?—’

‘I’m not fucking anyone else, Ruben,’ I tell him.

‘You’re not?’ A look of relief flashes on his face.

‘I mean, if you could find someone who could keep me warmandsupply me with constant food, then you might have competition.’ I wink.

He shoves me from the side as he grins. ‘So damn cruel.’ He laughs. ‘But seriously, what’s the plan?’

I let out a long sigh. Of all the people in the slums, Ruben is probably the one I trust the most – or at least more than Rula, who’s the entire reason I’m doing this – but I’m still not sure if I want to tell him the truth.

But in the end, I decide someone should know, in case it all goes horribly wrong.

He’ll look after Kay for me, I’m sure of it.

‘I’m heading to Etta’s temple in the third,’ I admit quietly, aware of the listening ears in the slums’ shadows.

‘To pray?’ he questions, a slight frown marring his forehead.

‘To hope she answers my prayers,’ I say elusively. Thankfully, he doesn’t press.

‘Well, I’ll be your excuse whenever you need me.’

‘Listen, if I don’t come back …’

Alarm flares in his eyes. ‘Why wouldn’t you come back, Rose?’

‘It’s complicated. I just need to know that if something does happen and I don’t make it back, I need?—’

‘Me to look after Kay?’ he finishes the sentence. ‘You don’t need to ask. Of course. Always.’

‘Thank you,’ I reply, trying to clear my throat of the lump that has lodged there. ‘Also, Tella has been more persistent than usual. While I’m out tonight, can you just keep an eye on her? Without her knowing, obviously, since I’m supposed to be with you.’

‘I can do that,’ he says, but his jaw is clenched. ‘But what do you mean, more persistent than usual?’

‘Nothing I can’t handle.’ I hope. Though from Ruben’s expression, he doesn’t believe me. Needing to break the tension wrapping around him, I reach up and peck him on the lips. ‘Don’t read into that,’ I say, trying to lighten the mood.

He lets me. ‘Don’t worry. I’m very kissable – I get it.’

With an exaggerated roll of my eyes, I turn around.

Casting one last look at him over my shoulder, I start my journey to the temple and my first ever heist.