Triple Dare (Sterling Shore 7)

“Find time in your schedule to speak with Krysta sometime in the next week. She needs your support. I realize you’re going through something too, but she’s much more fragile and needs this more than you realize.”

I move by him again, and my spine stiffens when he grabs the doorknob with one hand and slams his other against the wood, caging me in from behind before I can get it open. I feel his breath on my neck as he pants for air, and my entire body wars with my emotions, begging me to turn around and throw my arms around his neck.

“I am in love with you. I just suck at showing it, Ruby. You’re wrong about me not needing you. You’re wrong about not being everything to me. You’re wrong about it all.”

Can’t he see that I’m barely standing up? I can’t do this. Not right now.

When I don’t move or say anything, he blows out a long, devastated breath. “I’m not giving up.”

When he pushes off the door, I stand there, listening to his footsteps carry him farther and farther away from me while my soul screams at me. I try to compose myself before going in, but I’m still a mess ten minutes later, long after he’s already left.

Pushing back through the door, I wipe my eyes that won’t stop dripping. Krysta is standing there, looking contrite and helpless when I head back into the living room. I wanted to stay strong in front of her, but it’s impossible.

“I just need one night,” I whisper, hoping it makes enough sense for her to understand.

She seems to get it, and she doesn’t say anything as I go to my room. The first thing I do is pull up the loose floorboard and reach under it to remove the box of secrets. It goes to my dresser before I move over to the closet and peel back the false panel, revealing a larger box.

My eyes stay fixed on it all the way back to my dresser, and I toy with the latch, debating whether or not to open it. But I can’t.

Wiping away the fresh tears, I pull my phone out of my back pocket and dial Maverick.

“Ruby?” The surprise in his voice is evident, and his tone is worried.

“I need a favor.”

He clears his throat, telling someone he’ll be a minute, and then he’s back on the phone with me.

“What’s up?”

“Do you think you can come over tomorrow? I need you to do something for me.”

“Yeah. Of course. I can come over right now if you need me to.”

A girl’s voice calls his name somewhere in the distant background, and I realize what I’m interrupting.

“No. Tomorrow will be better. I’ll be home by six.”

“Yeah. No problem,” he says on a quick breath. “Has… Um… Is Corbin there?”

“You just missed him,” is all I say before hanging up.

I barely end the call as the first sob wracks my body, and I curl up in a ball on the bed as I cry into my pillow, hoping to mute the sounds from my sister.

My phone chimes with a text, and I read it, even though I know I shouldn’t. It only shatters me that much more, and I turn away from the screen as my body purges the pain through tears.

CORBIN: I miss you.

I don’t reply. My life has been turned upside down. Losing Corbin means I lose my best friend, my soulmate, and the only guy I’ve ever loved. One person should never mean so much to someone.

Losing Corbin means losing part of me.

CHAPTER 40

CORBIN

Ruby didn’t answer her door, so I expect to find her at Wicked Ink.

Neither car is here, but she could have jogged to work. She’s usually here until six or later.

Deciding to risk it, I head inside, and all eyes swing to me as soon as the door chime alerts them of a potential customer. If looks could kill…

Everyone goes back to what they’re doing as Jim walks toward me, his jaw ticking.

“I really didn’t want to have to touch your dick,” he growls.

“You’re welcome to tattoo her name on it later. I just want to talk to her right now.”

Obviously he knows what’s going on, even though I doubt Ruby has filled him in.

“Outside. Now,” he snaps.

Looking around, I see no sign of Ruby. All I see are several pairs of eyes that are murdering me with their thoughts. All of the privacy curtains are open, and the rooms are empty. The piercing room is open and empty. Even the back room door is open… and the room is empty.

“Now!” Jim snaps, holding the door for me.

I walk out, fully expecting to receive a punch, but he surprises me by crossing his arms over his massive chest and settling for an unsettling glower.

“My daughter has been through enough in her life. Having you spin her head around on her shoulders is just too much. Leave her alone. She’s finally ready to let you go,” he tells me, leaving no room for argument.