Naomi gave a tight nod and left the room. Once they were alone again, Ruby stepped in front of him, her eyes narrowed with concern.
"Are you sure about this? It could be a trap."
Stefan gave a small smile. "Probably. But I'm not afraid of traps."
"Maybe not," she said. "But I am."
He touched her cheek gently. "You don't need to be. I have you."
Ruby felt her breath hitch. How could this man—surrounded by pressure, betrayal, and expectations—still manage to see her?
"You're reckless sometimes," she whispered. "You know that?"
He grinned. "You love that about me."
She rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. Not because she it was true but because she somehow liked this part of him.
He reached out, taking her hand and pulling her gently onto his lap. "Just stay this way," he murmured. "Just for a minute. Before the chaos begins again."
Ruby relaxed into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "One minute," she agreed. "But you owe me coffee later."
He chuckled softly. "Deal."
