Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 172

Ruby tied the delivery service's apron around her waist—a strawberry-printed thing, frilled at the edges and comically out of place in the grand kitchen. Her softly curled hair was caught up with a headband, though a long fringe still brushed her cheek, lending her the calm, homey air of someone born to domesticity.

Drawn by the scent drifting through Northridge Manor's halls, Cassian followed it to the kitchen and paused in the doorway.

He stood there, momentarily transfixed, something striking his chest with unexpected force.

Despite the steady drone of the kitchen fan, the world seemed to fall into a hush.

Ruby, oblivious to his presence, leaned over her phone, trying to follow a recipe for a simple homemade meal.

After her last attempt to escape, the manor's security had doubled. Cassian claimed he wasn't restricting her freedom, but the cluster of new security cameras by the front gate was a clear message: you're not going anywhere.

Bored and restless, Ruby had turned to the only distraction within reach—cooking.

Mira sat nearby in the baby chair gifted by the former landlady, her bright eyes filled with the innocent wonder of a child.

"You're still too little, Mira. When you're older, Mommy will make you whatever you want," Ruby promised, smoothing her daughter's hair, her eyes curving with a gentle smile.

Mira gurgled in reply, nodding as if she wholly understood.

Ruby brought two plates to the table, stretching her back and untying the apron with a tired sigh.

Cassian's gaze lingered on the food: a simple plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and another of savory shredded pork in spicy garlic sauce. Nothing extraordinary—just classic comfort food—but the aroma made his stomach twist with hunger.

His eyes darkened as he studied Ruby's face.

She picked up her fork, took a bite, and her eyes lit up in surprise at her own handiwork. But after a few mouthfuls, her pace slowed. Most of her rice remained untouched; she pushed the plate away, appetite gone.

With no one else watching, her defenses dropped. Ruby let out a long, quiet sigh and her shoulders slumped, as if she were a sapling about to wither.

Cassian's eyes narrowed.

Was staying here, with him, truly so unbearable?

He blinked, a shadow passing over his expression.

After a while, the clatter of dishes broke the silence.

Ruby reached for her plate, only to feel a large, warm hand cover hers.

Without a word, Cassian deftly took her half-finished meal and, unbothered by propriety, used her fork to help himself to the rest of the food.

Ruby stepped back, trying to reclaim her plate, but it wouldn't budge.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify