Chapter 40 Surprise...

Ruby

I should be in France right now. Or Dubai. Anywhere but here, honestly.

My assistant's been chewing my ear off about meetings, deals, deadlines—and I'm over here booking flights and picking out birthday gifts like I've got zero mafia duties.

But hey... when it comes to her, I'm a goner. Even killers fall for soft bunnies sometimes.

The rose in my hand was fresh, the petals kissed with morning dew. In my coat pocket was a delicate Dior bracelet—because yes, I know her type. She likes the pretty things, the quiet elegance, the details.

By the time I reached her villa, the sun had started to set, and yeah... people were staring. I mean, not to be cocky, but I know I look good. The black suit. The subtle cologne. The wolfish grin.

I walked past them all like I was on a mission—because I was.

Then I saw her.

Aveline Vale. My chaos. My sunshine. My fire.

She blinked like she was seeing a ghost.

I handed her the rose.

She whispered, "I'm not dumb, Mr. Hot Sun. I know what 511 roses mean."

I smirked.

> "Good. Then you know you were waiting on the last one."

I handed her the Dior box next. She lit up like a damn Christmas tree. But that wasn't all.

> "Still got one more surprise."

She tilted her head. "What are you planning now, Ruby?"

> "Well… Mireline's in abroad, right?"

She nodded slowly. "Yeah. Why?"

> "Look again."

She turned—and there was her sister, standing at the end of the hallway.

"SURPRISE, LITTLE RABBIT."

She gasped. Dropped the gift. Ran straight into her sister's arms. I watched them cry, laugh, hold each other—and I swear, for a second, I felt peace.

"Okay, okay," I said, arms crossed dramatically. "And what about me, huh? I'm the one who dragged your stubborn sister all the way back. Do I not get a reward?"

She rolled her eyes, but she still walked over and hugged me. Tight.

I whispered into her hair, "You liked my surprise?"

> "Actually, Ruby... that was the best gift I've ever gotten. Genuinely."

My arms wrapped around her more securely. I wiped a tear off her cheek with my thumb.

And then, like bad luck always does—Kai showed up.

Jealousy is a funny thing. It hits you first in the chest, then burns through your blood. He was watching us, a bouquet in his hands and bitterness in his eyes.

I stared back. Calm.

Possessive.

She was mine. Let him choke on the rest.

He came closer, trying to play casual.

"So… you two are close?"

> "We're not just close," I said smoothly. "We're very close, Kai."

Aveline was about to say something, but I cut her off. I wasn't done yet.

> "Since you're her 'boyfriend' or whatever... just remember: I'm always behind her. Always watching. If you do anything to hurt her... I won't hesitate. You know who I am, right?"

Aveline pinched my wrist lightly. "Enough, Ruby."

> "Fine, fine. I'm done."

I straightened my posture and walked off. She followed me out into the backyard, the air cool and quiet now.

> "Ruby, what was that just now?" she asked, massaging the bridge of her nose.

"I never cared what people thought, Aveline. And that wasn't for him. That was for you."

"But Ruby… he's my boyfriend."

That word hit me like a bullet.

> "He won't be, for long."

My voice was low, dangerous. Her hand reached up to my cheek, warm and soft. I grabbed it gently—and pulled her closer.

And then I kissed her.

Not gentle. Not soft.

Hungry. Deep. Dangerous.

She gasped, clutched my collar, breathless. Her lips were soft. Her taste—addictive. I didn't stop until she was trembling in my arms.

"Wh–what was that, Ruby?" she asked, breathless, chest rising and falling.

> "What? A kiss? Or proof?" I teased.

"Damn, you're so horny, idiot," she muttered, cheeks red.

We were kissing like we were fighting for the lead not with words but with tongues...

She grabbed my hand, firm and shaky all at once.

> "Don't you dare do that with anyone else. Ever."

I smiled.

> "Why would I? You're mine, little rabbit. And I'm gonna keep you grounded."

> "You pervert... damn mafia."

And I laughed.

Because yeah.

She's my soft bunny.

And I'm her dangerous storm.