Page 30 of Velvet Corruption

Alek’s tone shifted, his focus narrowing. “He doesn’t know, right?”

“Well, he could know, if he just does the math in his head,” I replied. “But there’s a chance he thinks I was also seeing Julian when I was going out with him. We never really talked about whether we were exclusive…and honestly, Kieran’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.”

Alek’s jaw hardened. “Ruby, we can’t gamble on what he might or might not know. If he figures it out, he won’t just sit on that information. He’ll use it. The Callahans don’t waste leverage like that.”

I opened my eyes and turned to him. “You think I don’t know that? Do you think I haven’t been living with that fear every single day since Rosie was born? I know what he’s capable of, Alek. But I can’t just undo the past. It happened, and now I have to deal with it.”

Alek muttered something under his breath as he glared at the car in front of us. “Why is this asshole going so fucking slow?”

I exhaled, my frustration bubbling over. “Look, we can come up with a strategy. Damage control, contingency plans—whatever it takes to protect me and Rosie—but don’t pretend we can predict his every move. This isn’t a courtroom, Alek. Kieran doesn’t play by those rules.” I shook my head. “What kind of contingency plan do you have for a mob boss showing up at a coffee shop and dropping veiled threats?”

Alek’s lips pressed into a thin line. “The kind where we stay one step ahead. If Kieran thinks he can manipulate you, he’s underestimated how far you’re willing to go.”

His words settled over me, both reassuring and daunting. The idea of outmaneuvering Kieran was appealing, but it felt liketrying to outswim a shark. He’d always been cunning, and now, with the Callahan name and resources backing him, he was even more dangerous.

“What do you suggest?” I asked finally.

“We start by keeping tabs on him,” Alek said. “Figure out why he’s really here. This isn’t just about you, Ruby. The Callahans don’t move without a reason. If Kieran’s making himself visible, it means there’s something bigger at play.”

“Like his brother?” I asked.

“Honestly, yes. You could go after Tristan Callahan once you’re elected,” Alek said. “He’s not untouchable. He controls the docks. How many drugs do you think he’s moved since he became the boss?”

“Okay, sure. That’s all fine. What about Rosie?”

“If he brings it up—and he won’t—then he’s delusional,” Alek said. “He’s just a two-bit criminal trying to besmirch your good name because you’re beautiful, powerful and he can’t stand seeing a woman like that. That’s what we tell the press. But it won’t come to that.”

I wanted to believe him, to trust that Kieran wouldn’t dare to cross the line that would involve Rosie. But this wasn’t just any man—it was Kieran Callahan. Cunning, unpredictable, and utterly unflinching when it came to protecting his family’s interests.

And sexy.

Damn it,notsexy.

What the hell was wrong with me?

I let out a frustrated breath, gripping the seatbelt across my chest as Alek navigated through the sluggish traffic. “He’s not just some two-bit criminal, Alek. You and I both know that. Kieran’s smarter than most of them. I mean, sure, he’s kind of a doofus. But, like, for a criminal, he’s essentially a mastermind. Not to mention his brother. That’s what makes him dangerous. That’s what makes the Callahans so dangerous.”

Alek shot me a quick glance, his features tightening. “And you’re smarter than him. That’s what makesyoudangerous. You have the law, the media, and a damn good campaign behind you. He’s the one who should be worried, Ruby. Not the other way around.”

I wanted to nod, to feel bolstered by his confidence, but Kieran’s words still echoed in my mind.The public loves a good scandal, Ruby.His smirk, the way his eyes had lingered on mine as if he could see every unspoken fear—it all felt too calculated, too intimate. He knew what buttons to push, and I hated how easily he’d found them.

“Even if we keep tabs on him,” I said, my voice quieter now, “that doesn’t stop him from planting seeds, Alek. Seeds of doubt in the media, the voters, my allies. He doesn’t need to blow up my campaign—just crack it enough to let doubt fester.”

Alek’s hands tightened on the wheel, his frustration evident. “Then we don’t give him the chance. We control the narrative before he can. If this gets ugly, we get ahead of it. Release a statement, frame the story on your terms.”

My stomach twisted at the thought. I could already see the headlines:District Attorney Candidate Linked to Callahan Family? Secret Past Exposed.The kind of salacious gossip that would dominate news cycles for weeks. It wasn’t just my career on the line—it was everything I’d built to give Rosie the future she deserved.

And she would find out. She would find out Julian wasn’t her biological father, she would find out everything about her life was built on a lie.

I couldn’t even think about that.

“I don’t want it to come to that,” I said, shaking my head. “If we feed into the drama, we’re giving him exactly what he wants.”

“Then don’t let him rattle you,” Alek countered. “You’re Ruby fucking Marquez. You’ve taken on worse than this. Stick to your plan, stay focused, and let me deal with Kieran.”

“Deal with him how?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “You’re not exactly a brawler, Alek.”

He smirked, a rare flicker of humor breaking through the tension. “First of all, rude. And look, I’m a damn good lawyer. And I’ve got connections of my own. If Kieran wants to play games, he’ll find out quickly that you’re not playing alone. Hey, we have detectives for this. And I’m your advisor, so…listen. At least consider what I’m saying. “