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Well, he's not wrong, there. I eye her, trying to gauge her reaction. Her expression is impassive, and I try to figure out the best tactic to deal with things. Should I go apologetic? Because I am sorry that she's mad. Unashamed? Because I am—I'd do so again in a heartbeat.
Ultimately, I go for the tried and true—I play it stupid. I give her a wide smile. "Ruthie! You're looking gorgeous today. What a pleasant surprise to see you here."
"She paid your bail," Khex says when Ruthie is silent. He pockets the cuffs and eyes me, smirking. "You're free to go. I trust we won't see you again tonight?"
"Anything's possible," I say cheerfully. Especially since Ruthie isn't coming back for at least one to two more nights. I'll be out watching for her regardless.
Khex just rolls his eyes and walks away.
Ruthie remains. She arches a pierced brow at me as I rub my wrists. They don't hurt, but I can still feel the hum of the cuffs even now with them gone. "You look fantastic," I repeat. Because she does. I could happily drink in the sight of her for the rest of my life. "Sorry if Salvotor is causing problems. I told the others to leave you alone."
She tilts her head, giving me a curious look. "You want to explain to me what's going on?"
"What happens if I say no?" I grin.
"Quit being cute."
"You think I'm cute?" This is getting better and better.
Her nostrils flare and she takes a step toward me. "Just answer the question, Kaz. Tell me what's going on. Why are you in jail?"
"You sure you want to hear this?"
"Oh, yeah." She huffs a hard little laugh. "Do I ever."
She's definitely not happy with the situation. Grimacing, I decide to spill out the truth instead of hiding it because I really hate it when she gets mad at me. "Well, I know this plan of staying in town for a week by yourself meant a lot to you. And I didn't want to do anything to mess it up. But at the same time...I told you I would always watch out for you. I'm your protector, and I'm not about to stop. So I figured I could watch out for you from across the street. I positioned myself in a spot where I could keep an eye on both entrances to the dormitory and I've been guarding it."
Her annoyance changes to exasperation. "Kaz. You're not supposed to."
"I know I'm not." I rake a hand through my hair, frustrated. "I know you need to do this on your own. And I've kept out of your way. I swear I have. But I can't just not look after you. You're everything to me, Ruthie. There's nothing that exists for me in this universe if you aren't here. And I'm not going to trust that to a couple of overworked custodians. You're the best thing in this galaxy and I intend to protect you, regardless of where you are. I'm sorry if that means I'm getting in your way. Actually, no. I'm not all that sorry. Because I'd do it again. I'd do it a thousand times. I?—"
She moves forward, crossing the brief distance between us, and grabs my collar. With that, she hauls me down against her and kisses me fiercely. There's no tongue, just a firm press of her lips to mine, but it manages to be full of longing. Ruthie pulls back and stares up at me, her expression brimming with emotion. "I love you."
I'm utterly floored. "You...do?"
She nods, rubbing her nose against mine. "I do, and I don't mind that you were watching over me. I think it's very sweet."
I'm stunned into silence for a long moment. "I have to admit, that wasn't the reaction I thought you'd have. I could have sworn you'd be furious at me for interfering."
"You didn't interfere, though. You let me do my own thing." Her fingers stroke my jaw even as she cups my face, and the way she looks at me makes me feel as if she missed me, too. "I was proving to myself that I could handle things on my own. That I wouldn't break down without someone there to prop me up for reassurance. I've proved everything to myself that I need to. I know now that if I had to be on my own, I'd be fine with it." Ruthie's smile grows wider. "I just don't want to be."
I'm surprised at her words. "Is that what you were trying to do? I could have told you all along that you'd be just fine on your own, Ruthie. You're a survivor. That doesn't mean you don't feel weak now and then. It just means that even if you do, you keep on going. I've never doubted that you're strong inside. Not even for a moment."
