Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 328

Sylas’s tall frame loomed in front of Cassian, as immovable as a mountain. He blocked the hallway—blocked Cassian’s view, and, more than that, blocked his way forward. The barrier was physical, but it pressed just as hard on Cassian’s heart.

Cassian pressed his lips together, intent on following after, but Sylas shifted lazily, cutting him off each time he tried to move around him.

They stood almost eye to eye, neither man yielding, their gazes locked in the space between them.

“Move,” Cassian finally growled, his voice rough and low, as if he hadn’t spoken in ages.

Sylas shook his head. “She doesn’t want to see you.”

Cassian’s hand shot out, grabbing Sylas by the collar. His usually cold eyes were now rimmed with red, a storm barely held in check.

“Northridge Manor is my property. Are you really going to keep me from entering my own house?”

His words dripped with menace—Sylas had never seen him so ruthless.

For a fraction of a second, Sylas faltered, the playful curve of his mouth fading. But he stood his ground. “As long as Ruby wants her peace, I’m not letting anyone near her that she doesn’t want to see—not even you. Not until she’s safely gone.”

The tension between them chilled the air, the silence so heavy it was almost suffocating.

Then—

A knock at the door sliced through the standoff.

Ruby cracked the door open, her voice cool and steady. “Sylas, come in and grab these for me.”

She spoke to Sylas as if it were the most natural thing in the world to have him at her beck and call.

Sylas didn’t seem to mind in the slightest. If anything, he looked delighted as he hurried after her, pausing only to throw Cassian a quick, almost triumphant glance. “Coming.”

Cassian’s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles went white—he barely kept himself from shattering something.

Before he could do anything more, a commotion rose from the entryway.

Sylas was quick to edge out a mover who tried to squeeze in on Ruby’s right side, planting himself protectively beside her. He looked perfectly at ease, as if this whole thing was a game.

The movers worked fast and cheerfully, throwing in frequent compliments for Ruby and the baby in her arms. The mood was so light, even Ruby couldn’t help but relax a little. The tension in her shoulders eased, and the smile on her lips felt genuine for the first time in days.

Sylas, usually so proud and aloof—playful only when he was with Ruby—found himself caught up in the warmth, too. Mostly, though, it was because of the woman at his side.

He watched the way Ruby smiled, the way her lips curved, and before he realized it, he was smiling too.

Cassian could only stand and watch as they ushered Ruby farther and farther away, his chest tightening with a sudden, sharp fear—like he was losing her forever.

His eyes narrowed, but his feet might as well have been nailed to the floor.

Then, at some point, Sylas glanced back over his shoulder. He met Cassian’s gaze just for a moment, then turned away, his expression unreadable.

Sylas didn’t know exactly what had happened—how Ruby and his uncle had ended up on opposite sides. But one thing was certain: he wouldn’t let anything or anyone hurt her. Not now. Not ever.