I Can't Escape

"Yet it seems dim when placed beside your face," Ed continued.

Ruby’s heart, which had momentarily stopped, gradually resumed pumping blood. She realized Ed wasn't calling her name.

Ed’s hand reached out to touch the necklace around her neck, brushing it briefly before caressing Ruby's face with a satisfied expression.

“You’re perfect now,” he said.

Ruby remained silent, but she tried to smile and nod, swallowing her anxiety.

The red stone was ruby. Ruby knew that a ruby was a precious red gemstone; she just never imagined she would one day wear a gemstone that matched her name.

“It’s not that I dislike what you’re wearing, but I don’t want anyone coveting anything that belongs to me. Not because you're imperfect, but because you're too perfect. And you’re only for me.”

Ruby’s body tingled as Ed cupped her face and kissed her lips. There was a hint of lust, but wh