𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠

Chapter Fifteen

After a while they were hidden somewhere safe, waiting to see if John B would call.

JJ made his way down to where Ruby was, seeing her hugging her knees and looking out at the water.

He knelt down in front of her and grabbed both of her hands, " I'm sorry Rubes.. I-I just couldn't lose you again.." he said quietly, resting his chin on her knee.

" he's my brother JJ.. that's the only piece of family I have left.." she said and sniffled, allowing him to wipe her tears away.

" I shouldn't have done what I did.. and I promise once we hear from him I won't separate you two ever again.." he promised and pecked her lips.

Ruby pulled him in closer, stroking his cheek, "I love you.." she said and he smiled, " I love you too.." he said.

Up top Sage paced around, anxiously biting her nails as she waited for the phone to ring, silently hoping John B was okay.

After a while the phone finally rang, Sage automatically picking it up.

" John B..?" She asked, worry lacing her tone, " Sage! Sage oh my god you won't believe it! I have so much to tell you when we get back to Kildare!" John B said in excitement, only on Sage's end he kept breaking up.

"Kildare..? John B what's back home..?" Sage asked but he cut out yet again before the call dropped.

" so.. back home..?" Ruby asked, worry twisting in her stomach, "yea- yea that's what he said to do.." Sage said and sat back down.

JJ and Ruby shared a look, they didn't ever want to go back to Kildare- JJ had his reasons but now Ruby had one major one.

If John B was on his way back to Kildare, that could only mean one thing, the very thing she was hoping would never happen.

JJ wrapped his arm around her waist, " I can't go back.." she murmured, hiding her face in his chest, " then we can drop everyone else off.. we can go baby.. just me and you.." he promised, kissing the top of her head.

She looked up at him, " just me and you.." she said with a slight smile, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

But she knew in the end that couldn't be true, she knew her father was alive and would do anything in his power to keep them apart.

This was the beginning of the end.