Chapter 57

Ruby’s POV

The boys had no work, so we decided to have a lovely picnic, just the three of us. We found a spot in the woods under a willow tree, where we spread out our blanket and unpacked our snacks and drinks. I lay on the grass, savoring the warmth of the sunshine filtering through the canopy of leaves on my skin.

Hayes sat beside me, drinking his bourbon, while Zylon lounged comfortably against the tree, painting on a canvas.

“I didn’t know you painted, Zylon,” I said, leaning on my elbows to get a better look at him.

“I’m just doodling.”

“He’s good. He’s actually very artsy,” Hayes chimed in, gulping down the amber liquid from his glass. “Drink?” he asked me.

“Please,” he poured me a glass of champagne. I sat up and crossed my legs as I took a sip.

“May I see what you’re doodling?” I asked, kneeling in front of Zylon.

“No.”

“Please…” I gave him my best puppy eyes. He paused for a moment, and as I tried to peek at the