Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 146

Cassian's gaze was almost feverish. "We're still married. That makes us husband and wife—legally."

With that, he clamped his hand tightly around Ruby's slender wrist.

The chill of her skin struck him, icy and fragile beneath his palm. His eyelashes fluttered in surprise.

Why is she so cold? Why does she feel so thin, so breakable?

He forced down the questions and the sharp ache—an ache he didn't even know he could feel—and instead let his voice harden. "How long have you and Sylas been involved?"

At his accusation, Ruby's brows knitted, and she shot him a look, startled by the storm brewing in his dark eyes.

"Sylas is just a friend. Why do you care? Since when do you get to meddle in my private life?" Her glare was sharp, her tone full of resentment.

"Friend?" Cassian echoed, the word bitter on his tongue.

He couldn't help but remember the three of them together, laughing, relaxed. Sylas, ever considerate, helping Ruby and her daughter with their dresses; Ruby, soft-eyed and attentive, listening as Sylas spoke.

Friend? They looked more like a picture-perfect family than mere friends.

A flash of something dangerous crossed his eyes, and his grip tightened without him realizing it.

Feeling the pain in her wrist, Ruby jerked her arm free, furious. Cassian hadn't braced himself and stumbled back a few steps from the force.

When he looked up, Ruby was already at the door.

"Take your necklace back," she said coldly, her eyes naked with contempt.

Her words were a blade, slicing a line between them.

"I don't take back what I give." Cassian's voice was low and unyielding, his gaze locking with hers, making it impossible for Ruby to miss the stubborn finality in his eyes.

The silence between them was heavy, the air itself seeming to freeze.

At last, Cassian looked away and turned, striding out with only a parting remark: "Keep it. I have just one condition."

"Until you're able to protect yourself and your daughter, you'll stay at Northridge Manor."

This time, he didn't look back—just disappeared into his study.

Ruby stood there, seething, rubbing her sore wrist.

But this was her grandmother's keepsake. She had to keep it safe.

Resolute, Ruby placed the pearls back in the box.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the house, Sylas—having waited in vain for Ruby to return his calls—finally lost patience and dialed Cassian's number instead.

Upstairs, the study glowed with the last light in Northridge Manor.

Cassian leaned against the wall, a crimson streak staining the wallpaper nearby.

His right arm hung limply at his side, knuckles raw and bloodied.

Thud.

He slammed his fist into the wall again, desperate to vent the storm inside him.

His harsh, ragged breathing filled the silent study, along with the broken whisper of a name—again and again: "Ruby… Ruby…"

Clutching at his chest, Cassian finally let himself face the truth—his feelings for her, wild and uncontainable, crashing through him like a tidal wave.