Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 72

Everyone who lived in the law firm's apartment building was part of the firm, and if anyone saw Ruby sharing meals and a home with Cameron and the child, they'd probably assume they were a family of three.

Ruby said nothing.

Taking her silence as consent, a weary but hopeful smile flickered across Cameron Lockridge's face. Yet as soon as Cassian's unpredictable presence crossed his mind, his eyes dimmed once more.

He managed a soft laugh. "Even if it's just for now, I'm grateful."

And truly, at this moment, that was enough.

Once everything was in place for the auction, Cameron was summoned back to the office.

Ruby watched him go, his back still straight and proud, but there was none of the ease he used to carry—now it was as if he bore a heavy stone pressing down on his shoulders.

In just a few days, he seemed to have aged years.

She couldn't help but remember the first time they met. Back then, he was that brilliant, confident young attorney.

A bitter ache spread through her chest.

Cameron was out of the apartment again. He'd barely had a moment to breathe these past few days, let alone enjoy what could be his final nights in this place.

Tonight, the hours dragged on. The city fell dark, but Cameron still hadn't come home.

Ruby's anxiety grew with every passing minute.

He was hardly ever out this late. Could something have happened?

Even if she was certain he'd eventually leave, she needed to know he was safe.

She sent him a worried message, but all she got in return were the shortest of replies: *Get some sleep.*

Meanwhile, across town, in a private lounge at a bar—

The main lights were off, replaced by swirling, multicolored spotlights. The shifting colors lent an air of garish opulence, but the place was loud and chaotic.

Cameron's face was flushed, though the dim lighting hid most of it.

Back in his early days, work always meant social obligations, and he'd always hated having to meet in places like this—dark, noisy, and full of bluster. Once he rose through the ranks, he'd managed to dodge most of these gatherings.

Yet here he was again, right back where he started.

The insult was obvious.

Everyone in the room turned to watch, eager to see how Cameron would react.

His dark eyes flickered in the dimness, their emotion masked by shadow.

For a split second, a steely coldness flashed across his gaze, but just as quickly he hid it away.

"That's right, Mr. Lockridge. Times have changed," purred the woman next to the beer-bellied man. She swirled her wine glass, her eyes dancing with mockery. "No more excuses about being allergic to alcohol. One drink for one contract—what a bargain."

She was all heavy makeup and calculated charm, her gaze snaking over Cameron like a python.

Yet in a moment of strange clarity, Cameron pictured Ruby's gentle, earnest face.

A flicker of tenderness stirred in his heart.

Just as quickly, the memory shifted to his latest confrontation with Cassian—his boss's fury, the threat that he might be torn apart at any moment, and beneath it all, an odd sense of relief and guilt.

He tipped his head back and downed the shot in one go. The liquor burned all the way down, sharp as needles, and all he could think of was how badly he wanted to go home.