Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 98

Jealousy burned hot and fierce in Gennifer's chest.

She dialed a number, eyes locked on Ruby's retreating figure in the distance. "Yes, that's right," she murmured into the phone.

Unaware that Gennifer was lurking nearby, Ruby just felt a sudden chill prickle the back of her neck.

She shot a wary glance over her shoulder, searching for the source of her unease, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Clearly, she couldn't afford to linger here.

That thought only grew firmer. Gathering up Mira, she headed for another hotel—one practically on the other side of downtown.

The farther away, the safer she felt. Nothing could be allowed to happen to Mira while she was with her.

But the long distance meant night was falling by the time they arrived.

Mira had just gotten over a stomach bug, and had been taking herbal medicine for days. One thing after another had left Ruby's nerves worn thin.

Watching the daylight fade, Ruby urged the cab driver to hurry.

At last, the taxi pulled to a stop.

"We're here."

Ruby scooped up Mira and climbed out, a gust of wind whipping against her face.

She instinctively wrapped Mira tighter in her arms.

The driver unloaded their luggage, then sped off without a backward glance.

Ruby shivered and pulled her coat closer, hugging Mira a little tighter.

Following the directions on her phone, she made her way to a luxury hotel. The sight of its well-lit entrance brought a touch of relief.

But she'd only taken a few steps toward the lobby when she suddenly froze, every hair on her arms standing on end.

That same unsettling feeling from earlier—the sense of being watched—had returned.

Was someone following her?

Her heart thundered in her chest as she hurried forward, nearly breaking into a run as she dashed through the hotel doors.

Her panicked entrance startled the front desk attendant. "Miss, is everything alright?"

Bathed in the gentle glow of the lobby's warm lighting, Ruby finally began to calm down.

Still catching her breath, she forced a sheepish smile. "I'm fine, just here to check in."

Instantly, the receptionist's concern melted into a professional smile, and she efficiently began the check-in process.

Only when the room key was pressed firmly into her hand did Ruby finally let out a sigh of relief.

Before heading to her room, she cast a wary glance out through the glass doors.

Aside from a few leaves skittering along the sidewalk, nothing seemed out of place.

Ruby pressed a hand to her chest, trying to convince herself it was just nerves making her jumpy.

"Is there something wrong, miss?" The receptionist's gentle voice drew her attention back.

"No, not really." Ruby shook her head, but couldn't help asking, "This area's a bit out of the way, isn't it? How's the hotel's security?"

Having fallen from being a billionaire's wife to working as a cleaner, Ruby prided herself on being able to relate to ordinary people.

The receptionist waited patiently, her gaze occasionally drifting to the sleeping Mira. "She your daughter? She's adorable."

Ruby nodded politely, then picked out a small piece of the brown sugar cake.

But just as she was about to take a bite, her hand paused.

The receptionist's eyes still lingered on Mira.

A chill ran down Ruby's spine.

She set the cake back on the tray, masking her suspicions with a pained expression as she clutched her stomach. "I'm so sorry, I think my stomach's acting up all of a sudden."

Concern flickered across the attendant's face. "Are you alright?"

"It's probably just cramps, you know…my period's coming. Could you maybe help me buy some painkillers? I'll try the cake, and when you get back I can give you a review."

Ruby's earnest gaze met hers.

The receptionist hesitated, but seeing Ruby's convincingly pained expression, she nodded. "Of course."

"Don't forget to try it!" she called as she reached the door.

Ruby nodded emphatically, groaning for effect. "I will, just please hurry!"

The woman hurried off, muttering under her breath about how anyone's period could hurt that badly.

The second her footsteps faded, Ruby straightened up, her feigned agony vanishing in an instant.