Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 146

Cassian's gaze was almost feverish. "We're still married. That makes us husband and wife—legally."

With that, he clamped his hand tightly around Ruby's slender wrist.

The chill of her skin struck him, icy and fragile beneath his palm. His eyelashes fluttered in surprise.

Why is she so cold? Why does she feel so thin, so breakable?

He forced down the questions and the sharp ache—an ache he didn't even know he could feel—and instead let his voice harden. "How long have you and Sylas been involved?"

At his accusation, Ruby's brows knitted, and she shot him a look, startled by the storm brewing in his dark eyes.

"Sylas is just a friend. Why do you care? Since when do you get to meddle in my private life?" Her glare was sharp, her tone full of resentment.

"Friend?" Cassian echoed, the word bitter on his tongue.

He couldn't help but remember the three of them together, laughing, relaxed. Sylas, ever considerate, helping Ruby and her daughter with their dresses; Ruby, soft-eyed and attentive, listening as Sylas spoke.

Friend? They looked more like a picture-perfect family than mere friends.

A flash of something dangerous crossed his eyes, and his grip tightened without him realizing it.

Feeling the pain in her wrist, Ruby jerked her arm free, furious. Cassian hadn't braced himself and stumbled back a few steps from the force.

When he looked up, Ruby was already at the door.

"Take your necklace back," she said coldly, her eyes naked with contempt.

Her words were a blade, slicing a line between them.

"I don't take back what I give." Cassian's voice was low and unyielding, his gaze locking with hers, making it impossible for Ruby to miss the stubborn finality in his eyes.

The silence between them was heavy, the air itself seeming to freeze.

At last, Cassian looked away and turned, striding out with only a parting remark: "Keep it. I have just one condition."

"Until you're able to protect yourself and your daughter, you'll stay at Northridge Manor."

This time, he didn't look back—just disappeared into his study.

Ruby stood there, seething, rubbing her sore wrist.

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