CHAPTER 376: CHAPTER 376 KAELAN

Ruby’s eyes widened as her back hit the seat and his weight pressed over her. He froze, as if just realizing their position.

Ruby blinked once, then quickly rolled, switching their places. She straddled his lap now, pulling the blanket over both of them.

Her heart was pounding. "You’re heavy," she hissed under her breath, trying to adjust so she could shield him better.

His breath caught. Her face was inches from his, her scent warm and clean—vanilla and rain. His hands hovered awkwardly, unsure where to rest. Her hair tickled his cheek.

"You’re not covering me properly," he whispered.

"You’re too tall!" she whispered back.

Their bodies pressed close under the thin blanket. Outside, footsteps passed. Ruby held her breath. So did he.

Seconds felt like hours.

Underneath that cover, Kaelan could barely focus. He didn’t remember seeing someone like her but her eyes felt familiar.

And Ruby—well, she was too distracted by the feel of his heartbeat thudding beneath her palm.

Eventually, the footsteps faded. Safe—for now.

She let out a breath and slowly sat up, still seated on his lap. She peeked through the side window.

"They’re gone," she whispered.

Kaelan looked up at her. "You saved my life."

"Yeah, by almost crushing your ribs," she muttered, sliding back to the passenger side.

He chuckled softly. "You were warm."

Ruby turned her head, eyebrows raised. "You’re lucky I didn’t throw you out of the car."

He tilted his head, studying her. "Do I know you?"

"I don’t think so," she replied flatly. "And if we did meet, I definitely didn’t like you."

He smiled. It was small, but real. "I’m Kaelan."

"Good for you."

He laughed again. But his laughter didn’t quite hide the tiredness in his eyes.

Ruby glanced at him. "So... who were those people?"

He leaned his head back against the seat, his eyes staring at the roof of the car. "It’s a long story. Let’s just say... my best friend—who also happened to be my manager—slept with my girlfriend. I caught them, and now she sends people to threaten me into silence."

Ruby blinked. "...Wow."

"Yeah," Kaelan said bitterly. "Love of my life, huh?"

Ruby didn’t reply. She just handed him a small bottle of water from her side.

"Thanks," he murmured, accepting it. "What about you? Who were you crying for?"

She paused.

"Just... a lot of work. A lot of people I love. And one stupid game project that got deleted."

"A game designer?" he asked, surprised.

She nodded.

"Cool. I like Witches who make things."

"I like ghost who don’t break into my car."

He smirked. "We’re even then."

Their eyes met again. And this time... it didn’t feel annoying. It felt strangely soft.

Ruby looked away first.

"You should go," she said.

He nodded slowly but didn’t move right away.

Then he reached into his robe pocket, tore off a small paper scrap, and scribbled something on it.

"My number. In case you ever need a life ruined. I’m good at it," he said with a lopsided grin.

Ruby took it but said nothing.

He opened the door, then turned once more.

"You saved me tonight. Thanks... whoever you are."

And with that, Kaelan slipped into the shadows, leaving only the faint scent of expensive perfume and trouble behind.

Ruby stared at the paper in her hand, her heart still a little unsteady.

Not even a full minute had passed before the door clicked open again. Ruby blinked in disbelief as Kaelan climbed right back into her car—uninvited, again.

She sighed, too tired to argue, and stayed slumped in the passenger seat.

He made himself very comfortable in the driver’s seat, stretching his long legs, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve.

"So?" Ruby said, raising a tired brow.

Kaelan gave her a charming grin, flashing pearly whites like he was selling toothpaste. "Well," he said confidently, "I’d be willing to give myself to you if you let me spend the night here."

Ruby stared blankly. "Take back your offer. I don’t want you."

He gasped—actually gasped—like someone had slapped him with a cold fish. "Excuse me?!"

Before she could roll her eyes, he reached into the folds of his robe pocket and pulled out a tiny mirror. He angled it toward his face, inspecting himself like a celebrity prepping for a red carpet.

"...How many things are you carrying in there?" Ruby asked flatly, too tired to hide her sarcasm.

He smirked. "Darling, I’m always prepared. A ghost of my looks must be."

He twisted his face in the mirror, checking every angle.

"Not bad at all," he said, nodding approvingly. "Honestly, I think you lack taste. That’s the only way I can explain how you just rejected this." He gestured grandly to his face.

Ruby just stared at him like she was watching a pigeon try to drive a car.

"Rather than worrying about your cheekbones," she muttered, "you should be worrying about your safety. Weren’t there, like, knife-wielding maniacs after you?"

"Thanks for the reminder," he said casually and shoved the mirror back into the mysterious depths of his robe.

But then, before she could react, his hand shot forward—and he pulled her onto his lap again.

"Hey!" Ruby yelped, shocked, hands bracing against his chest. "What the hell do you think you’re doing?!"

"You didn’t lock the doors again," he murmured smugly, adjusting the blanket over them. "I learn fast."

Her cheeks flushed in surprise—partly from the closeness, partly from the boldness.

"You’re insane," she hissed.

"Only dangerously charming," he whispered near her ear.

Ruby’s hand itched to smack him, but her pulse betrayed her—it was racing. His body was annoyingly warm, his arm was secure around her waist, and worst of all... the faint scent of cedar and mischief on him was way too distracting.

"If we die tonight," she muttered, "it’ll be because I strangle you."

"Make sure to do it gently," he smirked. "My skin bruises easily."

"Kaelan, shut up."

"Make me."

They locked eyes and for a moment, even though she hated to admit it, Ruby forgot her headache completely.

To be continued... 🪄