Page 5 of Beauty and the Grendel

As I passed by the library, a familiar voice called out to me. “Griiq? You look troubled, my friend.”

I turned to see Mason, his pained face etched with concern as he stepped closer. He always had that expression when looking at me.

“It’s Harlow,” I confessed, my shoulders slumping. “She’s been distant ever since she spoke with those hunters. I fear she believes their lies about me.”

Mason nodded sagely. “You must talk to her, Griiq. Explain your side of the story, and offer to help find the truth behind these attacks.”

I hesitated, the idea of confronting Harlow filling me with a mixture of hope and dread. “What if she doesn’t believe me, Mason? What if she’s already made up her mind?”

“You won’t know unless you try,” Mason insisted, his voice gentle but firm. “You have to fight for the truth, Griiq. Fight for the chance to clear your name and show Harlow who you really are.”

I knew he was right. I couldn’t hide from this any longer. With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and made my way towards Harlow’s room, determined to face whatever lay ahead.

The gentle patter of rain against the windows filled the reading room as I watched Harlow perch on the chair across from me. The firelight danced across her features, casting shadows that seemed to mirror the uncertainty in her eyes.

I leaned forward, my elbows resting on my knees as I met her gaze. “Harlow, I know what I am. I know how the world sees me, how they fear me. But I am not the monster they make me out to be.”

She remained silent, her expression unreadable as I continued. “I have not committed the crimes they accuse me of as I am innocent, Harlow. I swear it on my life.”

The words hung heavy in the air between us, the crackle of the fire the only sound in the room. I searched her face for any sign of belief, of trust, but found only a guarded curiosity.

“What can I do to prove it to you?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “How can I show you that I am not the creature they fear?”

Harlow leaned back in her chair, her fingers drumming against the armrest. “We need to investigate, Griiq. We need to find out who is truly behind these crimes and clear your name.”

I nodded, a flicker of hope igniting in my chest. “I will do whatever it takes, Harlow. I promise you that.”

She stood then, crossing the room to stand before me. I rose to meet her, my heart pounding as she reached up to touch my cheek. Her fingers were soft, and I leaned into her touch, my eyes fluttering closed.

“Your skin,” she murmured, her voice filled with wonder. “It’s softer than it looks.”

I opened my eyes, meeting her gaze as she leaned in closer. Our lips met in a gentle kiss, and for a moment, the world fell away. There was no fear, no accusations, no monsters lurking in the shadows. There was only Harlow and the warmth of her touch, the promise of understanding and acceptance.

Chapter 5

Harlow

My heart raced as Griiq’s lips met mine, soft and warm. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me close, and I could feel the excitement building within him. I ran my fingers through his hair, losing myself in the moment.

“I want you, Harlow,” he whispered, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. He scooped me up in his arms, carrying me to his bed. I felt weightless, like I was floating on a cloud.

Griiq laid me down gently, his eyes never leaving mine. He leaned in, kissing me again, this time with more urgency. His hands roamed my body, exploring every inch of me. I gasped as he kissed my neck, his lips trailing down to my collarbone.

I could feel the heat building between us, my body responding to his touch. He kissed my chest, his tongue tracing circles around my nipples. I arched my back, moaning as he continued his exploration.

Griiq’s hands moved lower, slipping under my pants. His fingers teasing me, sending waves of pleasure through my body. I writhed beneath him, desperate for more.

He kissed my stomach, his lips moving lower and lower. His breath was on my most sensitive spot, and I trembled with anticipation. Griiq looked up at me, his eyes filled with desire.

“I want to make you feel good, Harlow,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, unable to speak. He kissed me again, this time on my most intimate spot. I cried out, my body shaking with pleasure. Griiq’s tongue moved in circles, teasing and exploring. I built towards something incredible, something I had never experienced before.

I gripped the sheets, my body trembling as the waves of pleasure washed over me. I cried out as the orgasm hit me like a tidal wave. Griiq continued his ministrations, prolonging my pleasure until I couldn’t take another lick, and pushed him back.

I lay there, panting and trembling, as Griiq moved up to kiss me again. My essence was on his lips, and it was intoxicating. I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close.

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