Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 94

Cassian's gaze was intent as he carefully wiped Ruby's body, inch by inch, his movements both gentle and focused. But as his eyes lingered on the soft, delicate skin beneath his hands, he couldn't help but swallow hard.

Maybe it was the comfort of his touch, or maybe she was just exhausted, but Ruby let out a soft, contented sigh, her head lolling to the side in a half-dream.

Cassian paused for a heartbeat, his hand hovering as he looked down at her, a deep and unreadable emotion flickering in his eyes. He felt something stir in his chest—something he couldn't quite name—and found himself moving with even greater care.

"Mr. Veyne, the doctor's here," Bennett called, knocking on the door from outside.

"Wait," Cassian replied, his tone clipped. He sped up, making sure he'd cleaned every inch of Ruby's skin before finally signaling for Bennett to bring the doctor in.

As soon as the doctor and Bennett entered, the warmth in the room hit them, bringing a flush to their faces. The doctor took one look at Ruby lying on the bed and immediately sensed that something was off. His eyes flicked to Cassian, noting the slightly rumpled collar of his shirt, and quickly dropped his gaze, understanding more than he let on.

"Can you treat her?" Cassian asked, his voice quiet but commanding, never taking his eyes off Ruby.

"Yes," the doctor replied, not daring to look up. He opened his medical bag and quickly prepared some medicine, helping Ruby to swallow it. When he was done, he crossed the room to open a window, letting in a breath of cool air.

All the while, he could feel Cassian's piercing gaze on his back, sending a chill straight through him, but he forced himself to keep working. Gradually, the flush faded from Ruby's cheeks, her breathing evening out. The doctor let out a breath of relief.

"Thank you," Cassian said, stepping forward to block the doctor's view of Ruby as Bennett ushered the man out of the room.

The cool night breeze drifted in through the window, and the stifling heat in Cassian's chest finally began to ebb. He turned back to the bed.

Ruby was still asleep, her face pale and peaceful, her features soft and serene. Something in Cassian's heart trembled, a gentle pang he couldn't suppress. He eased himself down onto the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb her.

Mira, who had been quietly entertaining herself, suddenly realized her mother wasn't joining in the game. She turned her bright eyes on Cassian, giggling as if inviting him to play instead.

Why? he wondered. This child isn't mine, and yet I feel so strangely drawn to her.

Almost without thinking, Cassian reached out and touched Mira's cheek, his fingers hovering over her smooth, rosy skin. Mira didn't shy away. She just watched him with wide, curious eyes, her tiny hand clutching a corner of her blanket.

"You helped me?" she murmured, unsure how to face the man before her. She clutched Mira closer, her fingers tense.

"Yes," Cassian replied, rising to his full height, his broad frame casting a deep shadow over the bed as he stood between Ruby and the lamplight. The room felt suddenly smaller, the air thick with the weight of unspoken things.

An uneasy silence settled between them.

"Thank you," Ruby said at last, her voice rough, eyes averted in awkward gratitude.

"No need to force yourself," Cassian replied coolly, brushing off her thanks as if it meant nothing.

"If there's nothing else, Mr. Veyne, I'd like you to leave," Ruby said, looking up at him. Most of her anxiety was hidden behind tangled hair, but she couldn't hide the chill in her voice.

Cassian let out a short, humorless laugh, though his eyes were icy. "Is that it? That's your gratitude? Use me and toss me aside?"