Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 12

The little baby in Ruby's arms already showed hints of the beauty she'd grow into one day.

For Ruby, it didn't matter if life was hard, as long as she and Mira could always stay together.

But that was only possible if he never found out about Mira.

If he ever discovered Mira's existence, he'd snatch her away in a heartbeat.

Mira was the only reason Ruby found the strength to keep going. Just the thought of losing her made Ruby shudder.

Her arms tightened involuntarily, and the movement startled Mira. The baby's lips trembled, and she let out a plaintive wail.

Ruby quickly set aside the bottle, scooped Mira up, and began pacing back and forth in their cramped room, softly humming a lullaby.

Mira's eyes crinkled into crescent moons as she listened, the tears forgotten. She babbled back at her mother, as if joining in the song.

Ruby knew she was trying to practice her sounds. In just a few months, Mira would be able to call her "Mommy."

"Ruby, you're back? Did you finish with that street?"

Pamela, her roommate, pushed in the janitor's cart. She peeled off her neon-yellow work vest, her wrinkled face relaxed into a rare smile as she saw Ruby soothing the baby.

Only after scrubbing her hands did she approach. "Mira's such a good girl."

"But… are you sure it's okay bringing her out on your shift? She's so little—can she handle the wind and rain?"

Pamela had a warm, gentle nature. Even though she and Ruby had only met the day before, she'd already looked out for Ruby and Mira. Officially retired, Pamela didn't have to sweep city streets. But her husband complained she was "lazy at home," and with her son living far away and unable to help, she decided to earn a little extra herself rather than put her son in an awkward spot.

Ruby smiled. "Mira gets anxious if she can't see me. She only feels safe with me around."

Pamela sighed. "I offered to swap shifts—said I'd babysit while you worked, then you could mind her while I finished my route. But your little Mira won't have it. The moment you're out of sight, she cries like her heart's breaking."

Hugging Mira closer, Ruby's eyes stung. "She's been with me since the day she was born. We've never been apart, not even once."

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