Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 200

Cassian's gaze drifted toward the grand piano in the hall.

He'd arranged for a private band from abroad—one Gennifer adored—to perform tonight, all to show her how much she mattered to him.

His thoughts wandered, eyes shifting unconsciously to the main entrance.

He'd purposely instructed the staff to leave a narrow gap in the doorway, just wide enough for one person to slip through. But now, only a sliver of sunset spilled in from outside.

Didn't she say she would come?

Cassian's silent question echoed in his mind as he glanced down, hiding the disappointment in his eyes.

All around him, the ballroom was growing lively—laughter and the rhythmic shuffle of dancers' footsteps filled the air.

A strange restlessness gnawed at him, but as the fluid notes of the piano swept through the room, it felt like a cool stream washing over a feverish brow, soothing the agitation in his chest.

He frowned, searching for the source of the music, but his view was blocked by the sleek black triangle of the piano's open lid. Behind it, he could just make out the vague silhouette of the pianist.

His gaze dropped to the floor, landing on the elegant sweep of a lavish gown trailing across the polished wood.

Not far away, Sylas lounged heavily on a plush couch in a dimly lit corner.

The shadows cast his sharp features into relief, a bead of liquor occasionally slipping down his upturned throat.

Two empty bottles stood beside his hand.

Those eyes—usually burning with ambition and a hint of menace—were clouded now, lost in a rare, bewildered haze.

He raised a third bottle mechanically, tipping it back, pausing only to fixate on the grand piano, eyes unwavering and intense.

His stare seemed to bore straight through the instrument, pinning the figure seated at the keys.

Is it love that breeds hatred?

Even after all his uncle had put her through, did some fragile remnant of affection still cling to her heart?

No, it can't be. She must have her reasons.

A tangled resentment twisted inside Sylas, and before he knew it, the bottle was empty too.

Onstage, Ruby kept her head bowed, eyes intent on her music and the sheet in front of her.

Only the faint tremble of her lashes betrayed the turmoil within.

She could hardly miss the heat of Sylas's gaze burning into her back.

Ruby pressed her lips together and, heart racing, let her fingers fly faster across the keys.

The piece was "Spring Bird."

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