Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 128

Cassian's hand paused mid-reach, the fork hovering above the platter. He set it down with a quiet clink. "Go on," he said.

"First," Ruby began, looking him squarely in the eye, her tone firm, "even though I'm living in your house, you can't just come into my room whenever you please."

Cassian gave a calm nod. "Alright."

"Second," she continued after a brief pause, "even if we're under the same roof, you're not to investigate or interfere with where I go or what I do. My business is my own."

Again, Cassian agreed, his voice even. "Alright."

After a while, when no third condition came, he glanced up at the two women seated across from him. "And the third?"

Ruby set down Mira's empty bottle on the table. "I haven't decided yet. I'll let you know if I think of anything."

Cassian raised an eyebrow, just a hint of amusement flickering in his cool gaze. "As you wish."

His words were soft, his deep voice carrying an unexpected note of acquiescence.

Caught off guard, Ruby studied him for a moment, surprised to sense a trace of genuine compliance. Cassian was quietly serving food, his posture relaxed and composed, but the aloofness he carried still lingered around him—like a cold front that never quite left the room.

Ruby looked away, inwardly shaking her head and dismissing her fleeting impression. Her requests had been simple enough. Besides, she doubted Cassian had any desire to get entangled with her or Mira.

This arrangement was likely for the best—for everyone.

Her mind raced with thoughts, but outwardly she kept her composure, wearing a mask of calm.

To her own surprise, the rest of the meal passed peacefully enough.

Ruby had a small appetite; after finishing a bowl of soup, she set her fork aside, content. The dining room was unusually quiet, punctuated only by Mira's soft babbling and the occasional gentle clatter of Cassian's fork against his plate.

He seemed to notice when Ruby stopped eating. His gaze drifted to her hands, fingers curled slightly against the edge of the table.

"Is something on your mind?" he asked, lowering his fork and frowning in concern.

Once everything was put away, Ruby finally had time to pull out her phone and enter the contact information Sylas had given her.

The moment she sent a friend request, it was accepted.

She blinked, surprised to see "Sylas Cunningham" pop up immediately on her screen.

Sylas: That's my name.

She puzzled over why he felt the need to clarify, but before she could type a response, another message arrived.

"The lead at the hospital's gone cold."

Ruby quickly typed out her own name and sent it.

The input bar at the top of the screen showed "Sylas is typing," but after a while, no third message came through. She stared at her phone, waiting, but the silence stretched on.