Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 68

She'd read through that contract, and with her keen instincts, Ruby could sense Cassian's scheme from a mile away.

But when had it all started?

Was it the moment Cameron Lockridge had taken her in? Back when she was desperate and out of options, and it was Cameron who offered her and Mira a roof over their heads—where had Cassian been then? And now, Cassian wouldn't even spare Cameron Lockridge!

Fury made Ruby's whole body tremble. She clenched her jaw so tightly she tasted the metallic tang of blood.

Cassian must have known for a long time that she was living with the Lockridge family.

He was using Cameron's future—his entire life—as leverage to force her into submission.

All for Gennifer. He'd really gone to great lengths.

Ruby's fists clenched so hard her nails bit into her palms, but the next moment, a chill seeped through her limbs.

But how had Cassian found her?

She forced herself to calm down, sifting through the tangled mess of her mind. Only Morgan knew where she was. Could it be that Morgan, out of some misguided devotion to Gennifer, had tipped off Cassian—hoping to win Gennifer's favor?

She realized with a pang that she'd dragged Cameron Lockridge into her mess.

The guilt was suffocating. But then, a far more terrifying thought struck her.

If Cassian knew where she lived… did he also know about Mira?

A wave of fear swept over her.

Ruby looked down stiffly. Sometime during her turmoil, Mira had fallen asleep in her arms, rosy lips softly puckered, looking utterly adorable.

An odd calm settled over Ruby.

If Cassian knew about Mira—knowing his methods—he would've forced his way in long ago.

But for now, he was only using Cameron Lockridge to strong-arm her into apologizing to Gennifer.

To put it bluntly, it was a way to break her spirit. A punishment.

Maybe he didn't know about Mira yet.

That thought brought her a sliver of relief, though her heart still felt like it was sinking into an icy abyss.

Cassian… Why wouldn't he just let her go?

Bitterness and exhaustion welled up inside her, and she shut her eyes tight.

Why couldn't he leave her alone? Why?

Night had fallen deep and dark. Ruby drifted into sleep herself, only to tumble into a surreal, haunting dream.

Scenes from her childhood flickered by like old film reels.

Her mother's harsh scoldings. The cold stares from teachers. The snickers and sneers of classmates.

And always, on the opposite side, there was Gennifer—so adored, so cherished.

Where Ruby had known only blows and harsh words, Gennifer was showered with a mother's gentle touch, teachers' praise, classmates gathering around her, their admiration louder than the last.

Ruby walked alone down a long, dark hallway, while far ahead, Gennifer stood in the light, lifted up on a pedestal.

A thousand little hardships had woven themselves into the nightmare that never left her.

She woke abruptly the next morning.

The dream faded away, but a sheen of cold sweat clung to her forehead.

She pressed a hand over her heart, feeling the hollow ache inside.

Bang, bang—

A knock at the door snapped Ruby back to the present.