Ruin’s Embattlement (Tenillo Guardians AIMC #19)

Desi Chapter 6

Things at the compound were oddly tense and happy at the same time. As I worked with Isaiah to get stuff at his house ready for us to move in, I avoided being alone with Ruin. He’d tried a couple of times to speak to me, but I found a way to get away. One time, I used Shane as an excuse, and the next time, I said Skye was expecting me.

When I wasn’t working my job, which was smooth sailing, I spent as much time as I could at Isaiah’s. Shane was there part of the time, but for the rest, he insisted on remaining at the compound with his grandparents and friends. He wasn’t happy with my decision to move us to town, although he loved the idea of his new room. I could tell he was torn. He adored Isaiah and enjoyed the time spent with him, but it wasn’t the same as his extended family.

Work was busy, so my days were filled with it. I could only do moving things in the evening. I was waiting for this weekend to get more done at the house. We were estimating a month in total before we would be able to make the move. It would be torture, but I could do it.

I was skittish tonight because I was about to do something I promised Isaiah I’d do. He’d reminded me twice of my promise to ask Konrad out twice. I tried to delay, but he said either I did it now or he would. There was no telling what my friend might say to him, so I agreed.

Finishing up work a trifle early, I went looking for Konrad. He would likely be somewhere performing his prospect duties. The club put him to work the morning after they voted him in. I didn’t find him in the clubhouse, so I went looking outside. I finally located him working on the kids’ playground. He was fixing the jungle gym play set. As I approached, he smiled and waved.

“Hey, what brings you out here, Desi? Are you looking to learn how to repair swings?” he joked.

“No, I’ll leave that to you. How’s your third day as a prospect going? Are you ready to run?”

“Nah, this isn’t so bad. The Marine Corps was worse. Are you done with your work for the day or just taking a break? Where’s Shane?”

“I am done. Shane is still at school. Lyric is picking the kids up today. They should be home soon.”

“I forgot, it’s still a school day. Nice,” he said, then got quiet.

Sucking up my courage, I went for it before I chickened out. “Listen, Konrad, I know we don’t know each other very well, but you seem like a nice guy. You’re new and settling into a whole different town and life. I was wondering if you and I could go out sometime and maybe get dinner and get to know each other. It can be as friends, so no pressure, if that’s alright with you. It doesn’t have to be a date,” I said rapidly.

He blinked a couple of times before he answered. I could tell by his expression that I had taken him by surprise. “What about Isaiah? I heard you’re moving in with him. Wouldn’t your boyfriend be upset with you going out with another guy?”

“He’s not my boyfriend. Yes, we’re moving in with him, but it’s only as good friends. There’s nothing romantic between us.”

He straightened and smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. I have to say, I’ve wanted to ask you out since I met you, but I thought you and he were an item, and I didn’t want to step on toes. I’m not like that. I’d love to go out on a date. Is tomorrow night too soon?”

It was my turn to be surprised. “Umm, no, tomorrow would be wonderful. What time?”

“How about I pick you up at six? There is one thing, though.”

“What’s that?”

“Let’s not tell Ruin. He’s protective, and even if I’m his friend, it might cause problems.”

Knowing how Ruin had acted the past several years, and especially lately, I understood his worry. I gave him an out. I didn’t want to mess up their friendship. “If you’d rather not do it, I understand.”

“No! No, I want to,” he rushed to assure me.

“How about we do this? I’ll drive myself and meet you. This way, he won’t see us, and we can keep this between us. It’s no use putting a strain on your friendship if we find out we’re better off as friends.”

“I can do that. Put your number in my phone, and later, we can text and decide where we want to go. I may need your help to find good places. Does that sound good?”

“It sounds like a great plan,” I told him happily.

He handed over his phone, and I quickly entered my name and number, then texted myself to have his. We stood there talking for a few minutes, and then I left him to get back to work. I was proud of myself. I’d done it. Even if we ended up being nothing more than friends, I’d taken an important step. He was the first guy I’d ever asked out. My only hopes were we’d at least become friends and Ruin wouldn’t get wind of it and try to wreck it. His name was Ruin, after all. He’d gladly do anything to wreck my life.

???

I was nervous as I got ready for my date with Konrad. I hadn’t gone on one in a while. Plus, in the past, I hadn’t precisely cared if the guy ended up liking me. I went out because I felt I should. With Konrad, I wanted to make a good impression. This was a big step for me. Even if we didn’t become anything romantic, I still wouldn’t mind another friend. His brief conversations with me so far have shown me I like him as a person.

I ended up changing my clothes four times before forcing myself to stop. Not only was I wearing a skirt and heels, but I’d put on makeup and styled my hair down. It was me trying to be my best. I didn’t tell anyone at home where I was going or with whom. I only said I had plans and asked if they were okay with watching Shane. Mom readily agreed and told me to have fun. I know they thought Isaiah and I were doing something together. They didn’t ask, so I didn’t actually lie.

Speaking of my friend, he was excited when I told him I did it and was going out tonight. He gave me a ton of encouragement, insisted I have fun, and then made me laugh when he reminded me that I was to find out if Konrad played for both teams. Isaiah was a kook, but I loved him anyway. I told him that I’d think about it. He demanded I call him, no matter how late I got home, to tell him about the date. Heck, I think he was more excited about it than I was.

Konrad and I texted on and off last night until we decided on a place to go. He told me he’d been to The Hangout and the Golden Lotus, so I thought it would be a good idea to expose him to another restaurant with delicious food, but not fancy and expensive. We settled on the Tenillo Tavern, which was similar to The Hangout.

I left in plenty of time to meet him there. Since it was Friday night, I suggested we make a reservation, even though it wasn’t required. At six o’clock, it would be getting crowded. When I arrived, I saw we’d been wise to do it. The parking lot was more than three-quarters full. I checked my makeup before I got out of the car and headed to the door. I was early, so I’d wait for him inside and calm my nerves. I was almost to the door when it opened, and out he came. He was smiling, and there went the idea of calming down.

“Hello, milady. I hope you brought your appetite because what I’ve seen and smelled in there is making me hungrier,” he said.

“Oh, they do have tasty food, so no worries. I’m glad we decided to make a reservation.”

He held the door and let me go in ahead of him. The front area where people waited to be seated had several people standing and sitting. He led me to an open chair and motioned for me to sit, which I did.

“I saw you drive into the parking lot, so I went ahead and checked in. I’m not sure how long we’ll have to wait. They may take us early. How was the drive?”

“Fine. Coming into town at this time is lighter than leaving. I forgot to ask, did you have a hard time getting the night off from your prospect duties?”

“I had to do a little bargaining. I promised Saint I’d wash and polish bikes this weekend for anyone who wanted them done, but it was worth it. Niam is at the clubhouse if they need anything.” His upper lip curled up a smidge when he said Niam’s name.

“Am I to take that look to mean your fellow prospect isn’t your favorite person?”

“I know I should say you’re wrong, but it would be a lie. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it was how he treated Ruin and me when we arrived that first day, but he rubs me wrong,” he admitted.

“What did he do?” I hadn’t heard of any problem.

He explained what went down. As he finished, we were called for our table. I waited until we were seated to add my observations. “If it makes you feel better, there’s something about him that I don’t like either. He’s never done anything to me like he did you, but it’s just this feeling. I know everyone is different, and it sometimes takes time to be at ease with people, but he’s not the warmest or most approachable person. I keep giving him the benefit of the doubt and hope he’ll warm up.”

Our chatter about Niam, how our days went, and ordering our drinks and food took up a chunk of time. Before I knew it, we were served our meals. We didn’t talk about anything terribly private. It was just things you discuss when getting to know someone. It was easy, and he made me laugh more than a few times. I found that I was enjoying myself.

We took our time and even had dessert. By the time we finished, I regretted that our time was over. He was fun to talk to, and as far as being an attractive guy, he definitely was. The only negative thing was that I kept thinking about the fact that he was Ruin’s friend. If something were to spark for us, how would that work? Ruin hated me and wanted to dictate my life for some unknown reason. How would I be able to date a guy when I couldn’t be near his friend? It was this that had me considering turning down his offer of another date when ours was over. What stopped me was my promise to Isaiah. He said if I found out I liked Konrad, not to blow him off after a single date.

We were in the parking lot. He insisted on walking me to my car and opening the door. As I got in, he leaned down and smiled. “I had a really good time, Desi. I hope this isn’t too forward, but I’d like you to think about us going out again. No pressure. I won’t ask for an answer now, but please consider it. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a night out like this.”

“Konrad, I enjoyed it too. I will consider it and let you know. This is the most relaxing date I’ve ever been on. Thank you for dinner and a wonderful evening.”

“You’re welcome, and thank you. I’ll see you at the compound. I’ll wait fifteen or twenty minutes before I follow you, just to be safe,” he said with a wink.

I grinned. “Got it. See you later.”

“You will. Drive safe,” he said before he closed my door. I waved to him as I left. I was in a good mood all the way home. Tonight went better than I had hoped. I couldn’t wait to talk to Isaiah after Shane went to bed. As much as I might want to call him immediately, I wanted to spend time with my son even more.

Since we’d lingered over dinner, it was close to eight o’clock when I got home. Shane would be up until nine. I let him stay up later on the weekends unless he fell asleep, which did happen, depending on how tired he was. I walked into the house intending to go to my room, change into comfy clothes, and then track down my boy. I didn’t make it. I was stopped by Ruin popping out of the kitchen. I let out a squeal of fright.

“God, don’t jump out like that! You almost gave me a heart attack. What are you doing here?” I asked without thinking.

“The last I checked, this is still my family home,” he said.

“It is. I’m just surprised to see you here, that’s all. It’s Friday night. I figured you’d be at the clubhouse. Excuse me. I need to change and find Shane. Is he here?” I asked casually as I stepped around him and kept walking. He followed me. The house was too quiet for Shane to be home. I sped up.

“He’s out somewhere with Dad. Mom is over at Skye’s, I think. Why don’t you sit with me? Let’s talk.”

“I can’t. I need to find him before it’s bedtime. We didn’t get much time together today.”

I made it to my bedroom door, but that’s where my luck ran out. When I turned to close it, he was standing in the doorway, blocking it. He was running his eyes up and down me. A frown appeared. “Where have you been?”

“Out.”

“Obviously out. I meant, where did you go all dressed up? I thought you worked from home. Did you have to go to one of the businesses? You’re wearing makeup.”

“I do wear it sometimes. I typically work at home, and no, I wasn’t at one of the businesses today. Now, move so I can change, please.”

He reluctantly moved back, and I was able to shut the door. I locked it and breathed a sigh of relief. I hurried to get into my yoga pants and tunic top and put on tennis shoes. When I was done, I cracked my door open, but he was nowhere in sight. Feeling relieved, I hurried to the front door and outside. My luck ran out again. Standing, leaning against the porch rail, was Ruin. He hadn’t left after all. Deciding to ignore him, I walked past him and down the steps. Of all nights to have him hanging around the house.

He walked beside me. After about ten feet, I stopped and faced him. “Ruin, is there a reason you’re following me? I’m going to get Shane. Go, have fun. I’m sure there’s more than enough at the clubhouse, and if not yet, there will be more later.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, just a statement.”

I presented my shoulder to him and began walking again. I made it maybe another five feet before he said more. “Why were you dressed up, Desi? Did you and Isaiah have a date tonight?”

“Where I was or who I was with is none of your business. I don’t ask you what you do or who you spend time with. Our personal lives are just that, personal.”

“I’ve spent my time here and at work, and I’m not spending time with anyone unless you count hanging out with Konrad. If there’s something you want to know, all you have to do is ask. I’ll tell you.”

I rolled my eyes. Yeah, I bet he wasn’t spending time with anyone else. Did he think the hang arounds didn’t count? Maybe they didn’t in his mind. After all, they were merely there to scratch an itch. I’d never understand how men could be so casual about sex and not care who they had it with or how many. All I said was, “Nope, I’m good.”

We’d reached Skye and Executioner’s house. I paused long enough to make a cursory knock, then walked inside. I heard voices coming from the direction of the kitchen. Hurrying toward them so he couldn’t ask me any more questions, I found Skye and Mom sitting at the island having a drink.

“Hey, you’re back early,” Mom said.

“Yeah, I wanted to spend time with Shane. Is he here?”

“No, your dad and Executioner took the three kiddos to the playground to run off the last of their energy. I’m not sure how long he’ll be able to stay awake. He’s been going nonstop since you left. I planned to have him bathed and in bed, before you got home,” Mom told me. I saw them both looking at Ruin.

“Thank you so much for watching him. I’ll go fetch him, then get him bathed and read him a story,” I told her.

I kissed her cheek and hugged Skye. When I swung around, I almost ran into Ruin. He was that close. Skating by him, I went for the door. His footsteps were loud behind me. I waited until we were outside before I questioned him. I didn’t want Mom to think we were fighting. I knew it upset her when we were at odds.

“Why are you following me? I can find my way to the playground and back all by myself,” I snapped.

He chuckled. “I know you can. I wanna see Shane. I have something I need to ask him. Surely, we can walk together, or do I bother you?”

He had a slight smirk on his face. I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing that he rattled me, so I shrugged and pretended it didn’t matter. “Nope, you don’t bother me.”

By the time we made it to the play area, I was as taut as a guitar string. He had asked me how my day went, which made me ask him the same to be polite. I didn’t know what to think. He was acting strange. I was relieved to see Dad, Executioner, and the kids. When Shane saw me, he yelled, “Mommy,” and then dove off the swing while it was still partially in the air. He knew I hated that.

“Shane Trace Young, if you do that again, you’re not going to be allowed on the swings for a month,” I warned him.

He looked at me contritely. “I’m sorry. I forgot. I was so excited to see you and Tanner.”

“His name is Ruin now. You have to remember to call him that,” I reminded him.

“Oops, sorry, Ruin,” Shane said sweetly.

“It’s alright, buddy. I know it’s hard to remember,” Ruin said just as Jazzy and Josh came running and screaming for Tanner. He laughed.

The three of them mobbed him. I didn’t know how they didn’t take him to the ground. Somehow, he picked all three squirming bodies up in his arms at the same time, which made them giggle. The pleasure on Shane’s face made me ache. How I wished he’d always be able to do that with Ruin, but I worried. What happened if, one day, Ruin took his dislike of me out on my son? It wouldn’t be on purpose, I knew that, but things could leak over. It would crush Shane. He looked up to Ruin. He did so with the others on the compound, too, but not in the same way he did Tanner. Well, there I went, using the wrong name. At least, it was in my head.

“Are you coming to the house?” Shane asked Ruin. Dad and Executioner came over to stand with us.

“Sure am. Let’s go. Are you two coming?” he asked his niece and nephew.

“Not tonight. They need to get a bath and to bed, but tomorrow, if you aren’t busy, we can bring them to you to spend time with them,” Executioner told him.

Jasmine and Josh groaned and pleaded, but their dad stood his ground. In the end, Ruin promised them he’d come to their house and have breakfast with them in the morning. They were happy with his answer. Since Executioner and Skye lived next door to Dad and Mom, we all walked back together. It was less stressful than my walk to fetch Shane.

After waving and calling goodnight to each other, I hustled my son into the house. “Let’s go get you bathed and in bed, then I’ll read you a story,” I told him as soon as we entered the door. I heard Dad, who was ahead of us, greet Mom.

“I can wash myself. I’m a big boy. I want Ruin to read me a story.”

“Honey, Ruin needs to go to—.”

“Sure, I can do that. Let your mom run your bath water, and then I’ll come in. We can talk and play in the tub if you want. Then, when you’re done, we’ll read. Is that alright with you, Desi?”

How could I say no and disappoint Shane, who was smiling like it was his birthday? “That’s fine with me if that’s what Shane wants. Let’s get some of this dirt off you before MawMaw makes you sleep outside.”

He giggled and skipped down to his room. Shane and I shared a bathroom like Tyson and Ruin had shared one. Shane stripped while the water was running, and I got his pajamas. As soon as the water shut off, Ruin was at the door. I quickly left them to it and escaped to my room. While they were having bath time, I’d call Isaiah and tell him about my date and Ruin’s weird behavior.