Page 43 of Beast

“I didn’t think it was relevant to mention,” I say defensively, glancing at the bag. “How do you know what meds I take?”

“My man hacked into your medical records to confirm my suspicion. I found out from your file.”

Anger and embarrassment slam into me. He doesn’t have the right to access my private medical records yet he did it anyway.

“You what?” I ask. “That’s a total invasion of my privacy. You had no right to look into my confidential medical information.”

Gaston remains cool, watching me over the rim of his wine glass. “I have every right. You belong to me, everything about you is my business.”

I clench my fists under the table, barely resisting the urge to throw the rest of the contents of my wine glass in his arrogant face.

“I don’t belong to anyone,” I spit out. “Especially not you.”

Gaston’s eyes darken dangerously. “Need I remind you that strictly speaking, you’re my property now? Bought and paid for.”

“Not legally. You can’t own me in the eyes of the law,” I challenge.

He sets his wine glass on the table. “No, that’s true, but the fact is I do own you. And it’s only a matter of time until I own every part of you. Not just your fucking stunning body, but that beautiful mind of yours and that pure soul.”

I sit there stunned, unable to find the words to respond to Gaston’s chilling declaration. His intense gaze pins me in place, making me feel utterly powerless.

“And if I want to check your medical records to ensure that I know everything about you and to ensure your well being, then I’ve got a right to do so.”

“Why did you feel the need to invade my privacy by looking into my medical records? Why not just ask me?”

He arches a brow. “Would you have told me if I had?”

Probably not. After all, I didn’t want him to know about my condition and try to use it against me. “I don’t know,” I murmur.

“And to answer your first question, I wanted to understand you better. It’s important for me to be fully informed about who I’m living with.”

“So now you know all about my ADHD,” I say coldly. “Does that help you understand me better? Give you more power over me?”

Gaston smiles. “In a manner of speaking. Knowledge is power, after all.”

Pushing my plate away, I stand abruptly. “I’m not hungry anymore.”

Gaston’s eyes follow me as I move around the table. “Where are you going?”

“I need some air.” I head for the balcony, desperate to put some distance between us.

The cool night breeze is a welcome relief as I step outside, wrapping my arms around myself. I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart.

Gaston appears in the doorway, leaning against the frame. “You’re upset.”

“Of course I’m upset!” I whirl around to face him. “You invaded my privacy and accessed my medical records without my permission. That’s a violation of trust.”

He nods slowly. “I understand why you feel that way. But as I said, I need to be fully informed about you in order to take care of you properly.”

“Take care of me?” I scoff. “Is that what you call this? Imprisoning me in your gilded cage and treating me like your personal property?” I can’t really understand why I’m so angry. Now Gaston knows, he got me my meds. And I need them, despite wishing I didn’t.

We stand there at a stand-off, both of us glaring into each others eyes. And I hate how turned on I am right now. Every single time I’m in his presence, my body is highly strung. And maybe that’s why I’m lashing out, because it’s so fucking irritating.

Gaston closes the distance between us with two strides and yanks my body against his. “I’ve missed you today,” he breathes.

Goosebumps rise over my skin at his declaration. And I hate that I’ve missed him to. It’s been hard to think of anything else. “Missed me?” I ask, shaking me head. Before I can say another word, he yanks my lips to his and kisses me with so much passion I go weak in his arms.

It consumes me, his tongue sliding against mine in a desperate, hungry exploration. I can’t help but melt into him, the anger and frustration fading away when his strong arms wrap around me.

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