Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 442

“See you next time.”

Ruby paused with one foot outside the car, her head turning just slightly.

A slant of afternoon light caught her delicate profile, glinting off the tip of her nose. Her voice, soft and gentle, carried a trace of comfort.

With those words, she strode away.

Sylas watched from the back seat, his gaze lingering on her retreating figure until she disappeared among the group waiting on the sidewalk.

A slow, resigned smile tugged at his lips.

“Take me to the Heights,” he instructed, giving the driver an address. Ruby was long gone now, her absence settling over him as he leaned back and closed his eyes, letting the city blur past the window.

A few blocks away, Ruby hesitated, glancing over her shoulder.

“What’s up?” Hayley edged closer, curiosity shining in her eyes. The contrast between her bright gaze and her edgy, all-black outfit was striking.

“He’s gone back to the Capital,” Ruby said quietly.

The chatter among their friends died away instantly.

“Well, Mr. Cunningham comes from old money,” Garrison said in his gentle, measured tone. “It makes sense that he’d have family obligations. Staying here in Quinborough too long wouldn’t really be appropriate.”

“It’s not like he’s moving to the ends of the earth,” Townsend chimed in, shrugging. “The Capital’s a ways off, sure, but it’s not like Veytura or Brighthelm. My brother’s always flying all over the place, anyway.”

As soon as he finished, he caught Ruby’s glance—a thinly veiled warning. Townsend grinned sheepishly and ducked his head.

“Come on, Ruby. Let’s grab something to eat,” Fanny suggested, quick to change the subject.

Ruby just smiled and nodded.

Near the curb, a sleek, understated Mercedes idled.

“Mr. Veyne, should I keep following them?” Bennett tapped his fingers restlessly on the steering wheel, sneaking a glance at Cassian in the rearview mirror.

“Go find yourself some lunch,” Cassian replied, already stepping out of the car.

Bennett blinked in surprise. Before he could react, he saw Mr. Veyne—immaculately dressed in a bespoke suit—carefully keeping pace with Ruby and her friends a few yards ahead.

Scratching his head, Bennett could only chalk it up to a determined man chasing after his wife.

The restaurant was softly lit, with mellow music drifting through the air. Wooden cutlery rested on the tables, and leafy potted plants and shelves stacked with books gave the place a cozy, lived-in feel.

“Nice place,” Hayley muttered, hurrying to claim a window seat. She waved the others over, but noticed they hadn’t moved.

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