Riskier Business (Crossing the Line 0.5)(17)

“And you?” Without waiting for him to finish, she transferred her irritation to Troy. “Just happened to be in the neighborhood?”

Troy said nothing, but she saw the answer in his eyes. Just like always, he’d taken matters into his own hands without consulting her. She’d seen it coming, but it still rankled. Without another word, she spun on her heel and headed toward the subway at a fast clip. Before she could descend the stairs, Troy grabbed her arm, slowing her.

“You shut me out. I didn’t have a choice.”

“Me either, apparently.” She pulled her arm free. “I won’t live my life under surveillance.”

He stared at her hard, conflict written all over his features. “I can’t take the chance.”

“Even if it means losing me?”

“Don’t say that,” he grated, voice shaking with intensity.

Troy tried to pull her close, but she evaded him. “Answer me. Will you insist on treating me like I’m breakable even if it means losing me?”

His head fell forward on a weary sigh. “If it comes down to a choice between your safety, your life, and keeping you as my girlfriend, I’d keep you safe every time. I’m sorry. It’s how I’m built, Ruby.”

Ruby swiped at the tear rolling down her cheek. “What about how I’m built?” She didn’t wait for him to answer, but turned and descended into the station, feeling Troy’s hard gaze on her back until she disappeared from view.





Chapter Six


Troy stood on the sidewalk outside Ruby’s workshop, wondering at the reception he was going to get inside. It had been two days since his fight with Bowen in Brooklyn and their subsequent confrontation. Two miserable days wherein he’d kept as much distance as he could. Letting them both cool down. He’d spent the time working around the clock, tracking down her uncle, Robert Bell, in New Jersey. From that point, he’d thought it would be smooth sailing. Find Bell’s sister, also known as Ruby’s mother, and avoid the upcoming match. Unfortunately, Pamela Bell had virtually dropped off the face of the earth over two decades ago. He’d searched for Pamela Elliott, too, in case she’d married Jim at some point and Ruby hadn’t been made aware of the union. Nothing.

With the clock ticking down and none of his work panning out, he’d finally left his desk. He’d needed to clear his head, find a different angle to work. Before he knew it, he’d found himself here. Knowing she was on the other side of the door was making him crazy. They hadn’t spent a single night apart since their first week together, and it was starting to take its toll on him. Whether it led to an argument or something beneficial, he needed to see her. God willing, she’d let him touch her. He needed that connection. Their relationship transcended the physical, but he wouldn’t deny that sex with Ruby grounded him. Right now, when he felt frustrated, helpless to repair any of the problems on his plate, he needed her with startling intensity.

Yet as badly as he desired Ruby, he wouldn’t lay a finger on her unless she initiated. The first night she’d left, asking for space, he’d tried to use their mutual attraction against her. Inexcusable. Then he’d made the situation infinitely worse by going to battle with Driscol in the middle of an intersection. He didn’t regret the fight. No, it had felt too damn good. But afterward, hearing the pain in Ruby’s voice when she questioned his trust…that had been unbearable.

Now that he’d gotten some distance, he could easily see how she’d drawn the false conclusion that he didn’t trust her, when he did with his whole heart. She was the most loyal person he knew, by a mile. That didn’t mean he could stomach the sight of another man comforting her, the night after he’d failed to do just that. He’d reacted out of self-disgust on top of jealousy. Two days passing without an opportunity to apologize or explain had been his punishment.

If he’d just stopped to explain his position to her sooner, this argument could have been avoided. When you loved someone as much as he loved Ruby, it was impossible to imagine someone, namely Bowen, spending five minutes in her presence and not feeling the same way. It was why he’d never been able to reconcile their friendship. Not completely.

Without giving himself a chance to further question his decision to come, Troy walked into Ruby’s workshop, the smell of sawdust and teak oil permeating the air. He loved coming here, seeing her current projects. Watching her speak on the phone with such confidence and authority. Today, however, he didn’t know what to expect. White paper bags balanced in his hand, Troy came to a stop in front of Mya’s desk. She jumped a little at his presence, the blaring death metal having drowned out his approaching footsteps.

“Troy. Jesus, there goes ten years off my already rapidly dwindling lifespan.”

“Sorry, Mya.” He handed her one of the bags. “Brought you a slice of pizza.”

“All’s forgiven.”

“Is she here?”

Mya’s gaze flickered. “Y-yes.” She hesitated.

Troy looked past her to the stockroom. “But you’re not sure she wants to see me.”

“She hasn’t really been herself this week.” Mya shrugged one shoulder. “I figured you two must have gotten into it—”

“Mya, is someone here?” Ruby walked out of the stockroom then.