Ruby’s POV

When we came back home, the house felt strangely quiet. Austin parked the motorcycle by the curb and helped me off.

I handed him his helmet, my hands still shaking a little from the cold wind. I didn’t want to go inside. I didn’t want to see John. I wasn’t ready for another argument, but I couldn’t avoid it forever.

Just as I was about to thank Austin for the ride, the front door opened. John stepped out onto the porch, his eyes going straight to me, then to Austin. His ...