Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 164

Ruby forced herself to collect her thoughts and focus on soothing Mira, who was still sniffling in her arms.

Their drive was a blur—Cassian had apparently decided to cut the travel time in half, and before long, the familiar surroundings of Northridge Manor began to appear outside the window.

Just as they were about to stop, Mira miraculously quieted down. Her chubby cheeks were still streaked with tears that hadn't quite dried.

Ruby's heart ached. She reached up to gently wipe Mira's little face.

But Cassian's voice cut through the moment—cold and sharp as a winter wind: "We made an agreement, Ruby. I broke it."

The words froze Ruby's hand in midair. She was about to snap at his shamelessness, but Bennett had already opened the car door. Without hesitation, Cassian scooped her up, Mira and all.

She felt the world tilt beneath her. Startled, Ruby grabbed for something to steady herself, but all she found was Cassian's neck, and she jerked her hand back as if she'd been shocked.

With nothing under her but air, she clung desperately to Mira.

Anyone watching from a distance would see Cassian walking confidently, carrying both a grown woman and a child as if they weighed nothing at all.

Only when he pushed open the grand doors of Northridge Manor did he finally set them down.

The moment her feet touched solid ground, Ruby bolted for the entryway.

But Cassian was faster. In one swift move, he plucked Mira from her arms.

Ruby froze, rooted to the spot and suddenly empty-handed. It was as if someone had ripped her heart out.

Cassian glanced at the now-calm Mira, then sat down on the sofa, holding her securely on his lap like a king surveying his throne.

Ruby stood stiffly nearby, her hands clenched so tight in her sleeves her knuckles went white.

Overhead, a massive crystal chandelier hung down from the soaring ceiling, scattering rainbows of light that danced across Cassian's sculpted features—making him look all the more untouchable, his expression shifting between shadow and light.

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