"I'm going to sleep in the guest bedroom." He took his pillow and started walking away.

"Elliot, can you please stay?" Ruby begged in a soft voice. "I won't touch you."

"I'm just worried that I might bump into your wound." Seeing how lowly her tone was, he said, "We will see once you recover."

Ruby was instantly satisfied by his explanation.

"Elliot, there's something I need to remind you of." She reached out to turn on the nightlight on her side of the bed. "I did some research on Avery today, and I finally understand why you like her. She is really brilliant, but Elliot, this is Ylore. My father doesn't like her, and for her and for your own sake, it's best that you stay away from her. You can go out and find other women if you need to. I won't get mad, but I don't want you to get into a fight with my father over Avery."

Ruby finally got a clear look at the hickey on Elliot's neck.

"I know," he responded coldly.

"Then why won't you send her away?" she asked. "You managed to get