Chapter 282

The room flickered between light and shadow. They used to be lovers—now? Their relationship was a mess no one could quite define. Time dragged on. He swallowed hard, then heard her murmur, "Go. Thanks for taking care of things." "I'm not leaving." Ignoring the slap stinging on his cheek, Daniel Richards turned and opened the door, still calm as ever. "Let me walk you upstairs." "Daniel Richards." His voice was tight, restrained. "You slapped me? Fine. If you're into that, feel free to do it again." Ruby Henderson snapped, "You're sick." He grabbed her wrist, locking eyes with her. His gaze held too much—memories of love, of fights—and that night against the window, when they tangled up beneath city lights. He remembered gripping her fingers tight, desperate to hold on. It was on him. She had every right to be mad. He got that. Daniel’s voice was hoarse. "Yeah, maybe I am sick. If I weren’t, I wouldn’t have shown up at Jason’s house to take care of his wife and kid. Ruby, this sickness