This is our final Scenic Sunday countdown to Ruby Fever which is out this Tuesday!!!

This book is hugely action packed and a lot happens in terms of moving both the overarching plot along as well as the progression of Catalina and Alessandro’s relationship. Rather than pick a very action packed sequence for this post, I chose to focus on a fairly quiet scene that really shows a lot about how these two characters feel about each other but also showcases vulnerability in a character who is always shown to be tough and seemingly impenetrable. Actions speak louder than words and nowhere is that more apparent than in this particular scene that’s all about comfort and caring and compassion.

We rolled down the deserted country lane for another five hundred feet, behind the curve hidden from the main road by some trees. A small parking lot sat in the middle of the grove, barely wide enough to turn around. I had found it the second time I’d come to see her, after I panicked in the parking lot and drove, half-blind and crying, desperate for a place to hide.

“Pull over, please.”

He pulled into the parking lot. The car stopped. Blood pounded in my ears. My breath came too fast, my chest hurt, my throat constricted, squeezed in an invisible noose. I undid my seat belt with shaking fingers and slumped over. My arms trembled.

Alessandro’s arms closed around me.

I drew a long shuddering breath. It sounded like a sob. I just couldn’t get enough air in my lungs and I felt like I was dying.

He rubbed my back, the heat of his hand shocking even through the fabric of my blouse. I was so cold, and he was warm.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured in my ear. “It will pass. I’ve got you. You’re safe. She can’t see us.”

I concentrated on breathing. There was no point in fighting it. I had to let it wash over me and let it pass. Just wait it out. It was scary, and it felt like dying, but it wouldn’t cause any lasting damage. I’d felt this before, and I was okay after. This would pass and I would be okay again.

He held me. He didn’t know it, but in that moment, I would have done anything to just keep holding on to him.

Gradually my breathing slowed. I straightened my back and leaned on the seat. Alessandro stood next to me, his arms still wrapped protectively around my shoulders. He must have gotten out of the truck, come around, and opened my door, and I hadn’t noticed any of it.

And now he had seen my moment of weakness. Ugh.

These are two characters who carry heavy family burdens, lots of responsibilities, and secrets. Watching them continuously stay strong to fight the villains and then finally be vulnerable with each other is such a fascinating dichotomy and makes their relationship really special.

Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews
Hidden Legacy #5
Published August 25, 2020 by Avon

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