Chapter 196: Thank You
Just like yesterday, Henry ran to the elevator door to greet her. When the elevator door opened, he smiled and asked, "You're here?"
The first time she came, she was shy. After spending a night together, Henry thought Ruby would be more relaxed today. However, Ruby ignored him, walking past him with her head down and directly entering the apartment. A refreshing scent of her recent shower filled the air, invigorating Henry.
He quickly followed her inside, closing the door behind him. Just as he was about to ask Ruby what she wanted to drink, she walked straight into the bedroom. By the time he reached the bedroom, Ruby was already under the covers, lying on her side facing away from him. Her dress was hanging on the back of a nearby chair.
Henry hurriedly undressed and slipped under the covers, thinking that starting without speaking felt too animalistic. So, he tightly held Ruby in his arms and asked, "Why so early today? I was just about to call you."
Ruby coldly retorted, "No matter what time I come, you would use that line on me, wouldn't you?"
"No, really. I was just thinking about you," he said, turning her to face him.
Ruby turned around and, with a swift motion, pulled him on top of her.
Henry, trying to lighten the mood, joked, "Why the rush?"
Ruby blushed and glared at him, "Isn't this what you want?"
"It's not just that," Henry chuckled, "I mean, we're in this kind of relationship now. We should talk a bit too."
Ruby, annoyed, said, "My husband is in the hospital because of you, possibly crippled, and you want to talk?"
Henry had no response to that, only managing an awkward smile.
Seeing his sheepish expression, Ruby seemed to soften a bit and explained, "I had someone cover my shift last night. Today, I have both night and day shifts, so I came over during my break."
"I see," Henry said. "Next time, call me before you come. If I'm not here, you might waste a trip."
Ruby asked, "You think there will be a next time?"
"Of course," Henry said, kissing her. "You probably don't realize how beautiful you are. I'm addicted. A day without seeing you makes me itch."
"How about this," he continued, "I'll give you a key to my place. If I'm not here..."
Before he could finish, Ruby reached into her small purse on the bedside table and handed him a key. "This is my house key. From now on, come to my place. I don't feel comfortable sleeping here."
"Your place?" Henry asked, puzzled. "What about your son? And what if the neighbors see?"
Ruby explained, "Because Ryan and I often work late, our son stays with his grandfather. Our building has one apartment per floor, so no neighbors across the hall, and we're not familiar with the people upstairs and downstairs. I'll send you the location, and you can come directly to my place."
"Then I'll come to your place tomorrow?"
Ruby clarified, "I have night shifts for the next two days. You wouldn't feel comfortable staying alone at my place. I'll come here tomorrow, and we'll see after my night shifts."
Henry, genuinely addicted, just wanted to ensure Ruby would come again the next night. Since she said she would, he didn't press further. Knowing she had a night shift at midnight, he didn't want to waste time and hoped to finish quickly so she could rest a bit.
Unexpectedly, after resting, Ruby couldn't sleep and kept staring at Henry. When he asked what she was thinking about, she didn't respond. He tried to make small talk, but she remained silent, her bright eyes fixed on him.
Seeing she wasn't sleepy, Henry felt the urge again. Ruby pushed him away, "Take it easy. We have plenty of time in the future."
Henry laughed, "Don't worry, I have plenty of energy."
Ruby rolled her eyes, "Where does your confidence come from?"
"Why," Henry asked, "do you think I can't?"
Ruby smiled, "You can now, but who knows about later? Men can't handle too much."
"Ha, you think I'm Ryan? Don't worry, with my body..."
Before he could finish, Ruby flipped him over and took charge...
As Ruby got ready to leave, Henry asked what time she would come tomorrow. Ruby asked, "Why, do you have other plans?"
"No, I just want to know if it's early or late."
"Same time as today."
"Can you come earlier?"
"Why?"
"I want to do it more."
Ruby smiled without answering and left.
The next night, Ruby indeed came earlier and joined Henry for dinner, bringing lots of marinated dishes. Henry had a hunch she might come, so he prepared and didn't go to pick up Miles from school. Avery had called, saying she had something to do.
Henry thought that by the third day, Ruby would be more talkative, perhaps even flirtatious like Avery. But Ruby still had little to say, as if she was there just for the act. Henry kept his promise and indeed did it more times than the previous night. However, he also began to believe what Ruby had said. The next morning, he didn't feel as energetic as usual, feeling a bit weak.
He even started to doubt if he could keep up if Ruby came again tonight. Fortunately, Ruby had just finished her night shift and was resting today. She had told Henry in advance that besides spending time with her son, she might have to take him to the hospital to visit Ryan. She also sent Henry her home address, leaving it up to him when he wanted to visit.
Henry's deadline for Tristan was today. He had been out and about these past few days without encountering any danger or troublemakers. He doubted Tristan would disappear like Samuel. Perhaps this was the calm before the storm. Henry suspected something big might happen tomorrow.
He called Victoria, asking her to drive him to the East Suburb Amusement Park. They found no signs of the underground fight club operating. The entire amusement park only had regular staff, with no sign of Gavin and his men.
On the way back, Victoria asked, "Could Tristan have disappeared like Samuel?"
Henry shook his head, "I don't think so. They have firearms now. They wouldn't give up so easily."
"Should you call him?"
"No, I gave him three days, so I'll wait until after the three days. It's my principle to keep my word."
Victoria smiled and remained silent. She wanted to ask about Henry and Ruby but felt it was better not to unless Henry brought it up first.
Unexpectedly, Henry reached over, touched her face, and said, "Thank you!"
Victoria immediately asked, "Thank me for what?"
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