Page 37 of Keeping Knight

“I’m assuming wow means good?” I tease. Because I know it was an amazing kiss. Probably the best one I’ve ever had. And given Ruby’s reaction, I’d guess, at the very minimum, she enjoyed it, too.

She laughs. “Yes. In this context, wow is good.”

“Okay. Good.”

Her brows arch up. “Was it wow for you, too?”

“Ruby.” I hug her to me. “It was absolutely wow. Even more wow than I thought it might be.”

She looks at me for a moment before a smile spreads across her face. “Yeah. It was.”

Chapter Nine

RUBY

“It’s about time I finally get to meet you.”

The dark-haired woman beside Rogue offers me a warm smile. She’s more than pretty, with long, glossy hair that reminds me of Snow White’s and hazel eyes that seem to be constantly shifting from blue to green. If not for the adoring gaze Rogue’s giving her, I’d probably be jealous. Which is dumb, because it’s not like Micah and I are dating or anything, but still. I can’t help feeling a little possessive of him.

Well, we haven’t come right out and said we’re dating, that is. But in the three days since our first kiss, we’ve shared plenty more. All different kinds of them—sweet kisses goodnight, quick ones in passing, tender ones while we watch the sunrise in the solarium, and long, passionate ones in the evening. So it kind of feels like we’re dating.

I haven’t brought up the subject, though. Not yet. And besides, I’m not in high school anymore. I don’t need to put a label on what Micah and I are to each other. We’re enjoying spending time together. Isn’t that what’s important?

“I’m Sofia,” she continues. “Although I’m sure you guessed that.” She makes a move forward, like she’s about to hug me, but stops herself. A beat later, she holds out her hand instead.

“Hi,” I reply as I take her hand. “I kind of figured who you were. Micah told me about you. And Rogue, of course.”

Sofia casts an affectionate glance at her fiancé. According to Micah, Rogue and Sofia got engaged this past May, and their wedding is planned for next spring. “It’s been a long time coming,” Micah explained when he told me about it. “They dated in high school, but some bad shit happened, and they broke up over it. Eighteen years, they didn’t talk. Then Sofia came looking for Rogue, and she ended up getting hurt. But it brought them back together. So I guess”—Micah kissed my cheek—“it was their silver lining.”

“Well,” Sofia says. “It’s great to meet you. I wanted to come sooner, but someone insisted I wait.” She smiles and lightly jabs Rogue with her elbow, and he makes a mock expression of pain.

“What I said,” Rogue replies, “was that it might be better to let Ruby get settled in before coming over for a visit.”

“Do you mind?” Sofia asks, her expression sobering. “If it’s too soon, I totally understand.” She thrusts a large gift bag towards me. “I can just leave this and come back another time.”

“Oh, no. This is fine.” I take the bag from her, but it’s heavier than I expected, and I almost drop it before firming my grip. “I’m so glad you came.”

Micah glances at the gift bag. Then he leans down to put his hand on the bottom to test the weight. With a chuckle, he asks, “What did you put in there, Sofia? A pile of bricks?”

“Hardly.” Sofia huffs at him, but I can tell she’s joking. “I just picked up a few things I thought Ruby might enjoy.”

“That’s so nice of you,” I tell her. “But you didn’t need to bring anything. Really.”

“I know.” Sofia smiles. “I wanted to.” Then she shoots a pointed glance at Rogue and Micah. “Don’t you two have business to discuss?”

Rogue looks at her in confusion. “I just saw Knight. At work. Why would I need to discuss business with him now?”

“Nico.” She angles an are you being intentionally dense look at him. I know that’s the look, because I remember seeing my mom give my dad the same one. “I’m pretty sure you have something to talk about.”

Micah smothers a laugh. Then he turns to me and asks quietly, “Do you mind if Rogue and I head into my office for a bit? And you and Sofia could hang out and talk?” He brushes my hand with his. “If you’d prefer, I can stay.”

“It’s fine,” I tell him. “I’d love to chat with Sofia.”

“Okay.” Micah gives my hand a little squeeze. His gaze holds mine. “If you need anything, just yell. Or hit the panic button. Or⁠—”

“Knight.” Rogue laughs as he shakes his head at his friend. “We’re going to be right here.”

Micah raises his eyebrows at Rogue. “This from the man who insisted on escorting Sofia here.”