Chapter 12: 11

She is slowly falling into my trap. It’s working, little by little.

Call me cruel, call me crazy,I don’t care. I won’t feel guilty for what I’m about to do. I will bring her down. I will take back everything my brother worked so hard for.

Today is the weekend, and I’ve planned something special. I’m taking her out on a date to my favorite coffee shop, just a short distance from the boot camp.

I arrived early, taking a seat by the window where I could get a good view of the entrance. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, blending with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional clinking of cups against saucers.

And then, finally, I saw her.

She stepped into the café, her presence effortlessly commanding attention. She was dressed simply, just a plain white shirt and a pair of jeans, but the way it fit her, perfectly outlining the curves of her body, made my breath hitch.

Damn.

A slow smirk tugged at my lips as I stood up to meet her.

"Hey," I greeted, my voice smoothly.

She looked up at me, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Hey. Did I make you wait long?"

"Not at all," I replied, my gaze sweeping over her. "You look… stunning."

She let out a small laugh, rolling her eyes playfully. "It’s just a shirt and jeans."

"And yet, you make it look better than any designer outfit," I countered smoothly, leaning in just a little.

A faint blush dusted her cheeks, and I felt a strange sense of satisfaction at that.

"Flattery already?" she teased. "We haven’t even ordered yet."

"Well, I like to start strong," I said, motioning toward the counter. "Come on, I’ll order for us."

We walked together to the counter, scanning the menu.

"What do you want?" I asked, turning to her.

She hummed in thought. "I think I’ll go with a caramel macchiato."

I nodded. "Good choice." Then I turned to the barista. "One caramel macchiato and one black coffee for me."

The barista nodded, punching in the order. As we waited, Sanae turned to me, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"So, why this place?" she asked. "Is this your favorite café?"

I leaned against the counter, crossing my arms. "Yeah. I come here often. It’s quiet, the coffee is good, and it’s a nice place to think."

She tilted her head slightly, studying me. "And you brought me here because…?"

I smirked. "Because I wanted to spend time with you. And because I figured you’d like it, too."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what made you think that?"

I shrugged. "Call it a gut feeling."

Before she could respond, the barista called out our order. I grabbed the tray and led us to a cozy corner of the café, where the large windows allowed a perfect view of the street outside.

As she sat down, I watched her carefully.

She’s falling for it.

Little by little, she’s letting her guard down.

And soon enough, she’ll be exactly where I want her to be.

"By the way, I’ll be having a meeting in the Netherlands. You and Karla will come with me. After that, we’ll visit my grandparents."

Oh, so I’m even getting the chance to meet her family now. How interesting.

"Is Lesley coming with us?" I asked, feigning casual curiosity.

"Yes," she confirmed without hesitation.

I tilted my head slightly. "How long has it been since you last visited them?"

She paused for a moment, as if calculating. "Three or four years, I think."

"Hmm… why?"

Her gaze darkened slightly, and she exhaled. "I need to protect them. I don’t want them getting involved in unnecessary trouble. Something happened back then, something… not good. And to keep them safe, I figured it was best to stay away for a while."

I studied her expression carefully. There it was again, that fleeting sadness in her eyes. A small crack in the seemingly impenetrable walls she had built around herself.

So, even someone as heartless as Ruby Fae could feel pain.

I wonder… is her family as monstrous as she is? Or is she the only one tainted?

"Ruby Fae."

She looked at me, her brows slightly raised. "Yes?"

"Are you sure about this?" I asked, my voice softer this time. "Maybe you're just rushing into things… Are you really giving me a chance?"

Her eyes lingered on mine for a moment before she did something that completely caught me off guard.

She smiled.

Not a smirk. Not one of those unreadable, guarded expressions she usually wore.

A real, genuine smile.

For the first time.

My heart skipped a beat, and I hated that it did.

"Of course," she said, her tone is lighter than usual. "Just promise me one thing."

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "W-what is it?"

"Don’t make me regret this," she whispered.

I nodded. "Y-yeah… of course. I promise."

Damn.

She’s breathtaking.

I placed a hand on my chest, pretending to look distressed. "I— I can’t breathe."

Her eyes widened in alarm. "What? Are you okay?"

She immediately reached for me, about to stand up. "Do you need a medic? Is there a medic here?"

I grabbed her wrist gently, stopping her. "I’m fine," I said, looking up at her through my lashes. "It’s just that… you’re taking my breath away."

Her entire face turned red in an instant.

I smirked.

Got her.

"Sanae!" she huffed, pulling her hand away, clearly flustered. "Oh my gosh, don’t surprise me like that!"

She turned her head slightly, trying to hide her burning cheeks.

That’s right, Ruby.

Get comfortable around me.

Show me your soft side.

Let your guard down.

Because once you do…

I’ll make sure your entire world comes crashing down.

_____________________

Is this right?

Is it right for me to let my heart open again? To allow myself to feel this warmth, this peace? I don’t know. But one thing I do know—I’m happy. Truly happy. It feels so light, so natural, like I can finally breathe.

Her presence, her actions, they make everything easier.

We’re walking side by side through a quiet park, the cool evening breeze brushing against my skin. The lamplights cast a soft glow on the path, and the faint sounds of laughter and distant conversations fill the air. For once, I’m not thinking about enemies. I’m not thinking about the Sedes Quantum Empire.

Right now, it’s just me. My happiness.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice her hesitating, her fingers twitching slightly as if she wants to reach for my hand but stops herself. She clenches her fist for a second, then releases it, sighing softly.

Is she overthinking it?

I don’t give her the chance to.

Without a second thought, I reach out and take her hand in mine, intertwining our fingers together. The warmth of her skin sends a shiver up my spine, and for a moment, I hold my breath.

She freezes for a second before turning to look at me, eyes wide with surprise.

I give her a soft smile, squeezing her hand.

“If you wanna hold me, hold me,” I say, my voice is gentle yet firm.

Her gaze flickers between my eyes and our intertwined hands before she lifts them to her lips. She presses a lingering kiss on the back of my hand, her lips warm against my skin.

“Okay, baby,” she whispers against my knuckles, her voice smooth like silk.

A sharp breath escapes me, and I bite down on my lip, trying to suppress the butterflies that suddenly take flight in my stomach.

She chuckles softly, her thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand. “You’re so cute when you get all flustered.”

I groan, turning my face away. “Gosh… what are you doing to me?”

She tugs me closer, her lips ghosting near my ear. “Making you mine, baby.”

I stop walking for a moment, my heart slamming against my chest. The way she says it, with so much certainty, so much confidence, it makes my knees weak.

She doesn’t let go of my hand as she turns to face me fully. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this,” she confesses, her voice quieter now, more vulnerable.

I swallow hard. “To hold my hand?”

“To hold you,” she corrects. “To walk beside you like this, without fear, without hesitation. That's all I want you to feel, safe around me . ” She lifts a hand to brush a strand of hair from my face. “You don’t know how much I’ve been holding back, afraid you’d push me away again and again.”

I stare at her, my chest tightening.

“You don’t have to hold back,” I murmured, squeezing her hand. “Not with me.”

A slow, breathtaking smile spreads across her lips. “Then can I do something else?”

I raise a brow. “Depends on what it is.”

She leans in slightly, her nose brushing against mine. “This.”

Before I can process it, she presses a soft kiss to my cheek, lingering just long enough to make my skin burn. When she pulls away, she grins at my reaction.

“You’re blushing.”

“I am not,” I protested weakly, looking away.

She laughs, swinging our joined hands slightly. “You’re adorable.”

I groan, hiding my face in my free hand.

Damn you, Sanae.

Damn you.

What are you doing to me?