CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Ruben
“Easy, tiger,” I say, my voice calm and edged with amusement. “It’s me.”
In the dim glow of the moonlight spilling through the curtains I can see her whole body relaxing, hand poised above the lamp, her eyes wide. “Ruben?”
She flips on the bedside lamp, and when the soft light illuminates her face, I can see the mix of shock, relief, and just a hint of annoyance. God, she’s beautiful.
“What the hell are you doing here?” she demands, voice sharp as she sits up straighter in bed. “You scared me half to death!”
I let my smirk grow, knowing it’ll needle her just enough. “I was missing you.”
“You’re an asshole,” she mutters, crossing her arms, but there’s no mistaking the soft pink flush creeping up her neck. “You couldn’t have called? Maybe texted to warn me somehow?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” I step closer, my gaze fixed on hers, taking in every detail. Her hair’s a little messy from sleep. There’s a stubborn set to her jaw, and her shoulders relax despite her words. “I wanted to surprise you. Jeanette let me in.”
She exhales sharply, rolling her gorgeous eyes. “Mission accomplished. Next time, maybe skip the part where I think I’m about to be murdered.”
I chuckle, the sound low and deep. It pulls her focus back to me entirely. The corners of her mouth are twitching like she’s fighting a smile. I move closer, close enough to see the flicker of heat in her eyes. “Noted. Now, are you going to keep yelling at me, or can I kiss you already?”
She tilts her head, pretending to deliberate. “Kiss me first. Then we’ll see about the yelling.”
I don’t hesitate. The moment my lips meet hers, the tension melts away. Her fingers find their way into my hair, pulling me closer, as if she can’t get enough. The taste of her, the feel of her soft body pressed to mine—it’s everything I’ve been missing and more.
Whatever is happening outside this room, with its games, threats, and uncertainties, disappears. Right now, it’s just her, warm and willing in my arms. There’s no need to rush, no room for doubts. She’s mine, and I’ll fight like hell to keep it that way.
Lennon’s hands grip my shoulders, pulling me closer as her body softens against mine. She tastes like wine and temptation, her scent a mixture of vanilla and something uniquely hers that’s imprinted itself in my mind. I slide my hands to her waist, then lower, feeling the curve of her hips under the thin fabric of her sleep shirt.
She exhales against my lips, a soft sound that sends a shiver down my spine. I don’t wait for her to catch her breath; I don’t want to. I pull her fully into my lap, and she moves like she belongs there, straddling me. Her thighs are warm and solid against mine.
“This what you wanted?” she questions, her voice breathy but teasing, her lips brushing mine as she speaks.
“No, I want something else,” I growl, sliding my hands up her back, tangling my fingers in her hair to tip her head just the way I want it.
Her gaze flickers, something unreadable crossing her face before she tilts forward, pressing her mouth back to mine like she doesn’t want to answer. That’s fine. I don’t need words right now. Actions speak louder.
Later, as the room falls quiet again, Lennon is tucked into my side, her head resting on my chest. I trace lazy circles on her bare shoulder, my other arm wrapped around her waist. She’s warm, pliant, and quiet—for once.
I know the peace won’t last.
“You’re too quiet,” she murmurs, her voice low and a little rough, the way it always is when she’s relaxed.
I huff a laugh. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It is. It means you’re thinking. And when you’re thinking, it’s usually because something’s wrong.”
She is correct. She knows me so well. “Just going over the meeting,” I admit, my voice steady, but I can feel her stiffening slightly against me.
“I knew it.” She pushes herself up, propping her head on her hand so she can look at me. Her hair falls over her shoulder in a messy tangle, and even like this, she manages to look composed. “What happened? Tell me everything.”
“You don’t need to worry about it,” I say, my tone soft but firm, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “It’s done.”
“Ruben.” She sits up fully now, pulling the sheet around her. Her eyes narrow, her lips pressing into a line. “You don’t get to pull that ‘it’s fine’ crap with me. What happened?”
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. I sit up too, leaning back against the headboard. If I don’t tell her, she’ll wear me down eventually. “The meeting was intense. They wanted to see if I’d bend, if I’d crack under pressure. They had Aiden there, trying to stir the pot, but he overplayed his hand.”
Her lips part slightly, her brows knitting together. “What did he do?”
I give her a wry smile. “He tried to paint me as disloyal. Claimed I was working against the firm’s interests. But I had receipts—proof he’s been the one undermining everyone. When I laid it out, he had nothing to say. He just sat there, looking like he swallowed a brick.”
Her eyes widen, a flicker of worry crossing her face. “And the partners? What did they say?”
“They were pissed,” I admit. “At him, not me.” I reach for her hand, threading my fingers through hers. “No, they can’t afford to lose me, and they know it. I know too much.”
She squeezes my hand but doesn’t look convinced. “And you’re sure? They’ll make you a senior partner on Monday?”
I nod, my voice firm. “I’m sure. But even if they don’t, it doesn’t matter.”
Her head snaps up, her expression shifting to one of disbelief. “What do you mean, it doesn’t matter? Of course, it matters! Ruben, this is your career—your future.”
“It’s not all of my future,” I say, my voice low but steady. “Not anymore.”
Her lips part, her eyes searching mine, and for once, she doesn’t have a quick comeback.
“If they don’t make me partner, I’m done,” I continue. “I’ve given them everything, and I’ve proven my worth. If they can’t see that, I’ll walk. There are other firms. Hell, I could start my own practice tomorrow and be just fine. I don’t need them, Lennon.”
She stares at me for a long moment, her expression softening. “You really believe that, don’t you?”
“I don’t just believe it,” I say, pulling her closer, my voice dropping to a murmur. “I know it. I’ve been ready for this for a long time. The only thing that matters now is what I want—and that includes you.”
Her cheeks flush, and she glances away, her lips twitching into a small smile. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Confident,” I correct, grinning as I tug her back against me. “There’s a difference.”
She laughs, but the sound is softer, warmer, like she’s finally letting herself relax. And as she curls into me, her head rests against my shoulder. I feel it, too—a sense of certainty.
Whatever happens next, we’ll face it together.