“You know, angel, for someone who’s supposed to be hiding, you sure as hell don’t act like it.”

Ruby’s voice cuts through the silence as she leans against the grimy motel door, arms crossed, smirking like she’s caught you doing something you shouldn’t. Again.

You barely look up from where you’re sitting on the bed, one knee drawn up, exhaustion weighing heavy in your limbs. You’d meant to stay out of sight. Keep a low profile. But it’s harder than it sounds when Heaven’s got half the choir hunting you down.

You sigh. “Nice to see you too, Ruby.”

“Mm-hm.” She kicks the door shut behind her, sauntering forward until she’s standing right in front of you. “And what, exactly, is your plan when one of your feathered buddies tracks you here? Bat your lashes and hope they go easy on you?”

You don’t answer. Mostly because you don’t have a plan.

Ruby exhales, rolling her eyes, but there’s something softer beneath her usual sharp-edged amusement. Like she actually cares. Or maybe she just doesn’t want to deal with scraping you off the pavement when the angels finally catch up.

“You’re lucky I like you, angel,” she mutters, tilting her head as she watches you. Then, softer, “And that I’m not the type to ditch someone just because they make terrible life choices.”

You arch a brow. “That’s rich, coming from you.”

Ruby grins, all teeth. “Yeah, well. I make bad decisions. You are a bad decision.” She taps a finger against your knee before stepping back. “But hey, I’ve already got a reputation, so might as well keep it interesting.”

She moves toward the table, picking up the cheap motel lamp and inspecting it like she’s judging the entire place. “Anyway, I got us a new safe house. You know, one that isn’t crawling with celestial bounty hunters. But if you like playing chicken with Heaven’s golden boys, by all means—stay put. I’ll even bring popcorn.”

She glances back at you, waiting. Expecting you to follow.