Page 10 of Ruin

I know why.

Zeus.

The cheating, abandoning asshole has thrown me off-kilter.

Rich’s brow goes up, and he leans his arms back on my window. “You saying you want me to sleep with other women?”

I think on that. I wouldn’t say the thought of him with other women makes me explosive with jealousy, but it also doesn’t make me feel particularly good either.

I shake my head, and he smiles.

“Do I need to be asking about other guys?”

That makes me laugh. “I barely have time for myself, so…no, you don’t have to ask about other guys.”

Except for the one I saw tonight.

Rich doesn’t know who Gigi’s father is. Only a few people do. And it’s going to stay that way.

“I should take you out on a date.”

That takes me aback. What is it with men and them shocking the shit out of me tonight?

“No, you shouldn’t.”

My smile is tight, and he nods in understanding.

He pushes back off my car, standing up straight. “Wear that on Wednesday.” His eyes flick down to my outfit.

“Only if you wear that.” I tip my head at his uniform.

“You got a deal.” He steps back from my car. “See you Wednesday, Cam.”

“See you. Oh, and, Rich, have your handcuffs at the ready, too.” I give him a sexy smile.

“Yes, ma’am.” He winks and tips an imaginary hat at me.

I pull my car off the side of the road, a smile on my face. Then, the damn radio decides to play Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” and the smile slides off my face as I’m catapulted back nine years.

Nine Years Ago

“Excuse me.”

I feel a tap on my shoulder and glance over to see a group of three girls standing behind me in line for the Ferris wheel.

They look my age. And they’re cute and pretty in that dainty way I’ll never be. I’m tall for my age, all long legs and arms. Perfect for ballet. Not so perfect for a teenager desperate to fit in.

Wanting to make new friends in this place I’ve just moved to, I smile and say, “Hi. Everything okay?”

One of them, who I’m guessing is the leader of the group, steps forward a little, closer to me. “Are you going on this alone?”

My cheeks heat. Because I am going on the ride alone. Not because I’m a total loser, but because we just moved to Coney Island from Baltimore. My aunt Elle is a police officer, and she got offered a promotion, so that brought us here. I’d lived in Baltimore my whole life, so moving has taken a little getting used to. Okay, a lot getting used to. But Aunt Elle has done so much for me, raising me after my mom died when I was three, so when she told me about the promotion, I told her to go for it.

She’s at work now, which is why I thought I’d come out and explore my new home instead of sitting at the house, checking Facebook for what my friends back home were doing.

So, of course, I came to the famous fair. And I’m a sucker for the Ferris wheel. Hence, why I’m in line to ride.

“Yes. I’m new to town. I don’t know anyone here,” I tell her by way of explanation, partly hoping she’ll invite me to join them on the ride.