Chapter 38

Chase Hudson

A stab of frustration gnawed at the corners of my mind as Ruby stormed out of the living room, her demeanor as cold as ever. For a split second it had felt like she had let her guard down, that she had let herself get comfortable with her surroundings. But as soon as she noticed my presence, her relax demeanor replaced once more by the impenetrable wall of mistrust and suspicion that she had built around herself.

I sighed heavily, feeling as though she were trying to avoid me at all costs.

With a weary shake of my head, I loose the tie around my neck and headed to my study. The smell of mahogany and leather enveloped me like a warm embrace, and I settled into the plush armchair behind my desk. Pouring myself a generous measure of whiskey, I took a sip and let the fiery liquid burn its way down my throat, the warmth spreading through me like a warm blanket against the chilly air.

As I settled into the comfort of solitude, I reached for my phone and dialed the number of my