Page 4 of Velvet Corruption

Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t do that.”

I couldn’t help but smirk at her irritation. There was something about riling her up that sent a thrill through me. “Do what? I’m just being myself.”

Ruby leaned back, crossing her arms. “Right. The charming, dangerous, smart Callahan boy who’s ‘just being himself.’ I’m sure that line works wonders on most girls.”

“But not on you?”

Her stare didn’t waver. “No. Not on me.”

The silence between us was heavy, weighted with attraction and unspoken confessions. I found myself leaning in, drawn to her defiance. “So whatdoeswork on you, Ruby?”

For a moment, I thought she might actually answer.

Then she shook her head, breaking the spell. “Doesn’t seem fair to spill all my secrets.”

“How about a drink?” I asked. “A real drink, not your morning cappuccino.”

“I probably shouldn’t…”

“C’mon,” I said. “Don’t you want to know what the criminal underworld of Boston is all about?”

“No! I worked really hard for this job,” she said. “I probably shouldn’t be seen talking to you…”

“Right. So come to my place. No one will see you then.”

She cocked her head. “You’re bad news,” she said. “And this seems like a terrible idea.”

I shrugged, letting my grin widen. “The best ideas usually are. C’mon. Live a little, Ruby. When’s the last time you did something just because you wanted to?”

“Don’t make me regret this, Kieran,” she said.

My grin softened into something more genuine. “No regrets, I promise. Just a drink and some good conversation.”

Ruby hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, one drink. But I’m leaving as soon as things get weird.”

“Define weird,” I teased, standing up and offering her my hand.

She took it, rolling her eyes, but the smile on her face didn’t falter. “I have to go home now so I can get ready for work.”

“Great,” I said. “I’ll text you my address?”

“Sure,” Ruby said, pulling out her phone. She hesitated for a moment, then handed it to me. “Put your number in.”

I did, but I didn’t think I was going to hear from her again.

She hesitated, then took the phone, her fingers hovering over the screen for a moment before typing. “I really shouldn’t be doing this,” she muttered under her breath.

By the time we left the coffee shop, the sun was higher, and the streets were filling with the usual Boston chaos. We walked side by side, her arm brushing against mine occasionally, each small touch more distracting than I wanted to admit.

Ruby stopped at the curb, turning to face me. “Alright, Callahan. I’ll see you this weekend, I guess.”

“So we’re on?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t push your luck,” she drawled.

I raised my hands. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

I watched her walk away, my gaze lingering on her until she disappeared around the corner.