Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 39

Cassian's hand gradually curled into a fist beside his leg, and he exhaled a heavy, frustrated breath. His eyes were as dark and unfathomable as the depths of a midnight lake.

Did she really think she could provoke him and walk away so easily?

He didn't care whether she was sulking after her release or just playing coy again. Either way, he'd been patient long enough.

He wasn't about to waste his time indulging a woman's tantrum.

Meanwhile, Ruby had no idea what was happening up on the top floor of Veyne & Co. After hanging up the phone, she felt as if a stone were lodged in her chest, making it hard to breathe.

Lately, Cassian seemed to be tangled up in her life more and more, and the sense of unease was growing.

She looked down at the little girl in her arms, her expression tightening with worry.

Mira was everything to her—her lifeblood. No matter what, Cassian could never find out about either of them.

Steeling herself, Ruby gently pried Mira's tiny hand from her mouth.

It was time for a bottle, and Mira was probably hungry by now.

Ruby got up and went to the cupboard to scoop out some formula, only to discover there was barely a thin layer left at the bottom of the canister.

She sighed and poured out the last bit.

Raising Mira wasn't cheap.

Even though she could only afford off-brand formula, it was still more than she could really spare.

Ruby hated that she couldn't give Mira a better life.

But payday was only a few days away.

That thought sparked a little hope. Even if she wasn't living the glamorous life she'd once had with Cassian, she and Mira could still be happy together.

Her daughter would always have her, no matter what.

Before long, Mira had fallen asleep in Ruby's arms.

Feeling the exhaustion set in, Ruby decided to take advantage of her rare day off and catch up on some much-needed rest.

She had just changed into comfortable clothes and climbed into bed when a soft, rhythmic knock sounded at the door.

Opening it, Ruby was met by Pamela's sun-reddened face.

A sheen of sweat covered Pamela's forehead, and she looked anxious. But when her eyes met Ruby's clear, watery gaze, her words seemed to catch in her throat. She peered inside and whispered, "Is Mira asleep?"

"Ruby, there's someone new. You need to give up your bed," Stephen barked, not daring to meet Ruby's eyes. He kept his head turned, avoiding her gaze completely.

He'd decided she was too much trouble to keep around. Better to push her out now and avoid any future drama—especially if she ever decided to tell Mr. Veyne anything. That would be the end of his job at Quinborough.

Stephen cast a furtive glance at Ruby, then quickly looked away. She was beautiful, sure—but he knew better than to mess with someone like her.

He snapped, "Hurry up!"

"Why?" Ruby shot back, refusing to be cowed.

"Why? Who's in charge here—you or me?" Stephen's voice rose sharply, and he waved his hand dismissively. "And you're fired, by the way!"

Ruby stared at him in disbelief, but Stephen just shoved the new girl into the room and all but ran off.

Even quick-witted Pamela was momentarily stunned.

"He didn't just mean your bed—he meant your job too?" Pamela finally recovered.

Ruby pressed her lips together, clenching her fists.

The new girl stood awkwardly by the door, gripping two suitcases, looking like she wanted to disappear.