Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 272

She’d gone to the airport to pick up Townsend, but somehow, it ended up with the two brothers driving her back to Northridge Manor instead.

The next morning, after the three had parted ways, Ruby was just about to leave for her studio when she received a text from Garrison.

She arched an eyebrow at the message.

She’d assumed it would be some time before they visited the orphanage, but Garrison had moved surprisingly quickly.

Still, a promise was a promise. Having already agreed, she couldn’t very well refuse now. She sent Pamela a quick message to let her know she wouldn’t be coming in for a while.

Given the nature of the day’s trip, Ruby paid special attention to her outfit. She chose a simple black dress that fell to her ankles, cinched at the waist with a white belt that accentuated her slender figure. The look was tasteful and subdued, with a delicate white camellia brooch pinned at her collar as the only ornament.

Standing before her vanity, Ruby hesitated for a moment, then reached for a small, elegant hat adorned with a cluster of camellias. The effect was striking—it was as if she’d walked straight out of a vintage British fashion magazine: graceful, poised, and stunning.

As she reached the door, she nearly collided with Cassian.

After last night’s tense quarrel, there was only silence between them now.

Ruby furrowed her brow slightly and was the first to open the door.

Though Cassian said nothing, his dark, intense gaze was fixed on her, unwavering.

She pretended not to notice, lifted her chin, and stepped into the waiting cab with an air of cool indifference.

Cassian, usually all sharp movements and decisive action, found himself rooted to the spot, watching the car disappear down the drive. The dust kicked up by the tires seemed to blur his vision, stirring up a storm of restless feelings: jealousy, suspicion, doubt...

Who was she dressing up for?

His hand curled tightly by his side, and his chest constricted as if the very air was being squeezed out of him.

He couldn’t even put a name to what he was feeling, but the urge to tear down the world was almost overwhelming.

Just then, his phone buzzed—Gennifer was calling. “Cassian, where are you?” Her voice was as sweet and light as a songbird, but today, it only grated on his nerves.

“Almost there,” he replied gruffly, then hung up without another word.

Gennifer stared at her phone in confusion, the abrupt end to the call leaving her unsettled.

Cassian’s demeanor was nothing like it had been the day before. The familiar anxiety gnawed at her heart once more.

She tucked her phone back into her purse and forced a brittle smile. “Mr. Veyne will be here soon. Let’s go.”

She’d only found out the night before that they’d be visiting the orphanage today; Cassian’s efficiency caught her off guard, but she was pleased all the same. Still, as the morning wore on, her unease grew. She bit her lip, the smile lingering at her mouth both a shield and a comfort.

Meanwhile, Ruby arrived at the spot where she and Garrison had agreed to meet.

“Where’s Townsend?” she asked as she approached.

Garrison gave a soft laugh. “He’s never had much patience for these things. And he’s not exactly fond of kids.”

The director stood waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing them, he beamed.

“You must be Mr. Cloud and Miss Ruby?” he asked, eyes crinkling with warmth.

Ruby nodded, studying him more closely than she let on.

“Come with me,” he said, leading them inside.

A group of children stood in neat rows in the courtyard, glancing up at the newcomers with shy, wary eyes.

“They’re a bit timid around strangers,” the director explained as he showed them around.

Ruby’s gaze drifted to a little girl standing at the far right of the line. Unlike the others, she held herself apart—hesitant, yes, but also curious, as if she were trying to size up these new adults. Her dark eyes were startlingly cold and distant for someone so young.

How could a child have eyes like that?

Compelled by a strange impulse, Ruby walked over and crouched down in front of her. “What’s your name?”

The director visibly startled, hurrying over as if to pull them apart.

Noticing the director’s odd reaction, Ruby’s sense of unease only deepened.

“Miss Grayson, this child is a troublemaker—she’s hurt others more than once. You best be careful!” the director warned, shooting the little girl a stern look and gesturing for her to move along.