Ruby's POV
Something about Kate's invitation didn't sit right with me. The way she'd insisted on this remote cabin trip felt calculated, almost desperate.
Back in Cameron Stone Pack territory, Elias never traveled anywhere without his security detail. Sure, he could handle himself better than anyone, but protocols existed for a reason. The fact that Kate wanted us completely isolated in some mountain cabin sent warning bells through my head.
Elias studied my expression carefully. "What's your take on this, Ruby? Feel like hitting the slopes?"
"Actually, I was hoping it could be just the two of us," Kate interrupted, her voice tight with forced casualness. "No extra people, just me and—"
"Ruby isn't extra people," Elias's tone carried a sharp edge that made Kate flinch.
She recovered quickly, painting on that practiced smile. "Right, of course. Ruby's absolutely welcome to join us."
