𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠

Chapter Fourteen

*One month ago*

It was hot today, the kind of hot that made you wanna sleep it off.

And for Ruby that was torture, she sat on the beach, wiping her arm across her forehead and squinting from the sunlight.

" you okay..?" JJ asked and she nodded, " just a little warm" she reassured, smiling as he pulled her to stand up.

He led her to a shaded area, a large palm leaf was on the sand, "did you do all this..?" She asked and he nodded, " I figured me and you needed a spot of our own.." he said and gently kissed her forehead.

The couple laid down, JJ on his stomach while Ruby curled up on her side, gently resting her legs on his lower back.

She watched as he took off his cut off, gently laying it over her as a mock blanket- she smiled and kissed his cheek, welcoming the gesture.

Her head rested on one arm, her hair falling in her face as she closed her eyes- her other arm was looped through his, JJ's other hand holding onto hers.

Eventually she fell asleep but he stayed awake, playing with her fingers- taking note at how much smaller her hand was than his.

He watched her sleep, an awestruck smile on his lips, every now and then placing a kiss somewhere on her.

That was his girl.

*now*

Ruby was asleep, her head resting on his chest as he held her on his lap, waiting for John B to return.

" god how long has it been?" Kiara asked, sitting beside him, " I uh.. I don't know.." JJ replied, pulling Ruby closer to him.

Lately Kiara has had her eye on JJ, tensions were high and he knew Ruby would lose her shit if Kiara even thought about making a move.

" you were really brave today.." Kiara said and placed her hand on his arm, " Kie-" He started but froze as Ruby woke up.

All it took was one look and Kiara was scurrying away, a satisfied smirk forming on Ruby's lips.

" I-I was trying to stop her-" JJ started but Ruby shut him up with a kiss, " I know.. I'm yours and you're mine.." she said quietly.

He sighed in relief and kissed her again, pulling her impossibly closer, he'd die if he couldn't be with her.

But their moment was short lived as JJ froze, Ruby looking at him in concern then froze as she saw the ATV's.

"No- no JJ we aren't leaving him!" Ruby shouted as JJ moved her off his lap, running over to the steering wheel.

" JJ!" Sage yelled, " no- no we aren't being separated again!" JJ yelled and tears filled Ruby's eyes.

" that's my brother! I-I can't leave him!" She yelled back, " look I'm sure he's fine okay? It's John B.." he reasoned and she shook her head, going down to one of the lower levels.

" Rue-" he called out but she was already gone, with a sigh he started the boat.

" I'm sorry John B.."