Ruby City (Diamond City Series Book 3) by Astrid Cole

Author:Astrid Cole [Cole, Astrid]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Astrid Cole Books
Published: 2024-10-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Black Market Cells

All the maids had to dress their absolute best for the Tournament Ball. For that night only, they could ditch the black-and-white uniform that Damian hated (and had modified extensively since; Ruby wondered how security hadn’t arrested him yet) and wear something formal. That meant it was time to go shopping. The streets were absolutely packed in downtown Elysium as citizens prepared for the long-awaited event not too far in the future.

The maids didn’t have or need an escort, so Ruby and Damian went together. They met by the processing center at the front of the palace, which was reviewing applicants and implanting trackers like usual. Ruby thought so very little of the apprehensive faces around her when she found Damian strutting right up to her. He made her laugh because he was the only fool with red and silver on his uniform. To the crowd, he might have been someone of importance. Everyone stared at him, but Damian only had eyes for Ruby.

“Let us go, darling,” Damian sang to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and taking her right out of the palace.

They were off to see the city for the first time in their lives. Ruby had to fight not to hold his hand or look at him instead of the tall towers before her. This was the chance of a lifetime—what so many preachers in the Clarity District dreamed about—but Ruby’s mind was focused on one thing. Her cheeks burned and a smile crossed her lips.

“What are you thinking about?” Damian asked her huskily as they crossed the bridge to the driveway. There were buses and limos picking up palace residents. “Would you like to try a new position tonight?”

“It’s not always about the sex,” Ruby muttered.

“Ninety percent of the time it is, yes.”

Ruby rolled her eyes.

Damian reached out with his hand. His fingers touched hers. Then they wound together like a braid. He didn’t seem to care that they were in public and drawing attention. Actually, there weren’t a whole lot of people looking at them to begin with, even if Damian stuck out among the black and white.

Ruby raised his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles. Damian did the same to her. Then they stared at each other for an obviously long time.

“My heart is beating so fast right now,” Damian whispered, eyes devouring her. “I’m not sure I’m well.”

Ruby froze. She grew worried for a second, wondering if Damian was having some sort of attack, but then she realized that Damian wasn’t in danger. He was flushed just like she was, and it was Ruby’s heart that started a fierce pounding next.

Ruby was relieved. Regardless, she had acquired the vials of Reinforcement from Ilan a while ago. It hadn’t taken him very long to snag a few after his medical appointment one afternoon. This was before Ruby had started her new position on the hundredth floor, so the vials were still in her trunk in the guest bedroom of Faye’s quarters.

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