Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 257

A cold rush of breath hit the sensitive skin of Ruby’s neck, making her freeze where she stood.

“I don’t agree!” Cassian spat out, his words laced with a fury that needed no explanation.

Something was wrong—she felt it instantly—but before Ruby could react, Cassian swept her up in his arms, cradling her against his chest.

The world seemed to tilt; suddenly, she was airborne.

Her eyes flew wide as she thrashed in panic. “Cassian! Are you out of your mind?!”

He was cold all over, like a marble statue come to life, his face unreadable as he strode down the hallway, carrying her as if she weighed nothing.

Ruby managed to catch a glimpse over his shoulder and realized, with a jolt of dread, that he was heading straight for his bedroom.

Her heart pounded. She fought harder, legs kicking in desperation. “Put me down! Let me go!”

“Cassian, if you don’t let go right now, I—I’ll hate you for the rest of my life!” The threat tumbled out, clumsy but fierce.

For the first time, Cassian’s eyes flickered, cold and hollow as he looked down at her. Ruby flinched at the sight—those eyes, proud and haunted, like a ghost stripped of its soul.

He gave a twisted, bitter smile. “Then hate me. For as long as you like.”

The door slammed shut with a bang. Ruby, still reeling, barely had time to process before Cassian tossed her onto the bed. He was shaking, veins standing out on his hands as he tore at his tie.

Ruby snapped out of her stupor, her panic cresting. “Cassian, you lunatic! If you dare touch me, I swear I’ll never forgive you!”

But before she could say another word, his mouth was on hers, swallowing every protest.

Her eyes went round with terror, fixed on the man whose own eyes were squeezed shut as he devoured her. She tried to scream, but his kiss deepened, hot and relentless, until she could hardly breathe.

Cassian pinned her wrists above her head, holding her in place. She felt helpless, like a fish laid out on a slab, every ounce of dignity stripped away.

He didn’t look at her; maybe he was lost in the moment, or maybe he couldn’t bear to see the pain in her eyes. His hands were insistent, forcing her lips apart, demanding a response she refused to give.

His breath grew heavier, the kiss more punishing. Ruby’s vision blurred, her lungs burning for air.

Just when she thought he would never stop, Cassian broke away, his breath hot against her neck. His voice, rough and low, vibrated with desperate longing. “Go ahead and hate me. Never let me go. Not for as long as you live.”

He gave a quiet, hollow laugh—no triumph, only a raw ache.

Her hair was a tangled mess, her face blanched, streaked with tears and blotched with color. The remnants of her shirt barely covered her, exposing more than they hid.

Cassian’s heart slammed in his chest, a memory of another reckless night flashing through his mind.

He let go of her wrists.

Ruby’s eyes burned with fury as she shoved him away, wrapping herself tightly in the bedsheet. Her gaze was pure venom.

“I…” Cassian tried, but his throat closed up, strangling the words.

He could only stare at her face—drained of all color, every trace of warmth gone.

“Cassian, I will never forgive you. Not in this lifetime.”

Ruby’s lips curved in a bitter, broken smile.

Cassian stared at her, dread creeping through his bones.

He reached out, but she slapped his hand away with a sharp crack that echoed in the silence.