Page 50 of Beast

“No,” she says firmly, shaking her head. “No, it’s not. I don’t belong here, with you. I belong in America, finishing my degree. This isn’t right.”

I let out a soft sigh, pulling her closer. “You’re being stubborn. Can’t you see that you and I are meant to be together? I’ve given you everything, and all I ask in return is that you accept it.”

“Accept it?” she scoffs, her eyes flashing with anger. “You bought me, Gaston. You didn’t give me anything, you took me.”

“Enough talk of that. Let me give you a tour,” I say, ignoring her pleas for me to let her go home. She doesn’t know what she’s asking. Letting her go home would be like ripping my heart from my chest.

Forcing her into step beside me, I show her the kitchen, dining area, living room and the luxurious master suite where I intend to ravage her multiple times a day. The mere thought makes my cock harden.

“We’ll be sailing up the coast,” I tell her. “The yacht is stocked with everything we could need.” I gesture to where the crew is preparing to cast off. “I’ve also hired a full crew, so you won’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to.”

Blake is quiet, her jaw hard set. She’s angry. But it won’t last.

“Why don’t we head up to the lounge and have a drink?” I suggest. “We can relax and watch the coastline slip by while we set sail.”

Her glare is piercing. “I’d rather retire and get some rest.”

“Nonsense, you slept the entire journey here.” I place my hand on the small of her back, leading her up the roof deck lounge. While Blake may be scared of getting to close to me because her feelings are confused, I’ve got no illusions, making Blake fall for me will be the greatest challenge of my life.

“Take a seat and I’ll grab us a drink.”

She sits on the cream leather built in couch and glares at me, arms crossed over her chest.

“What can I get you?” I ask, moving behind the polished mahogany bar. The crew are too busy getting ready to sail, so no one is manning the bar.

“Just a club soda, please,” Blake replies.

I fix her a club soda over ice and splash a few dashes of lime into it before pouring myself a glass of aged tequila. And then I sit beside her, passing the soda into her hands. Our fingers brush together and I’m drawn to the way her lips part.

The tang of citrus mingles with the woody aroma of the liquor as I take a slow sip, watching Blake over the rim of my glass.

I drape my arm across her shoulders when I feel the boat being to move. To my surprise, Blake doesn’t pull away. She leans in to me. And I feel my heart flutter.

I’m supposed to be a ruthless, cold-hearted billionaire. Love isn’t meant to be in the card for me. Hell, it’s why I bought women. Keep it like a business transaction. No fear of feelings getting in the way. And look at me now—smitten over a woman I paid millions of dollars for. I want to give her the world. I want to be her whole fucking world, but is it even possible considering everything that has happened between us?

When the last sliver of sun disappears below the horizon, she finally breaks the silence. “I’ve always loved the sea,” she says softly. “Ever since I was a little girl. My parents used to take me to the beaches near our vacation home in California. I just felt...free, standing with the water lapping at my feet and the salty breeze in my hair.”

Considering she has never told me anything about her family or friends, I find myself captivated by this unexpected glimpse into her past. I wait silently, not wanting to interrupt and break the spell.

“Surfing became my passion,” she continues after a moment. “I started competing when I was thirteen. Those early morning sessions with the swells rising up to meet me were the only time I truly felt at peace.”

Blake would hate me if she knew that I already know everything she’s telling me. I’d made it my business to find out everything I could about Blake’s background. But I don’t let on that I’m aware of her competitive surfing career. I know if she realizes how thoroughly I’d investigated her, it would only anger her.

“I didn’t know you were a surfer. You’ll have to show me your moves while we’re sailing the coast.”

She chews on lip. “Maybe, if the conditions are right.”

I clink my glass lightly against hers. “To good waves then.”

The corners of Blake’s mouth quirks up ever so slightly. It’s the closest I’ve seen to a real smile from her today. I find myself transfixed by the way it lights up her delicate features.

We lapse back into a comfortable silence while the yacht motors through the darkening waters. I’ve got a feeling this trip may prove to be a turning point for Blake and me. Only time will tell, but I intend to be patient. With this wild, fascinating creature by my side, I’m in no rush to get to the destination when the ride is so thrilling.

21

BLAKE

The gentle rocking of the yacht is so peaceful. Slowly, I come to, stretching out my limbs as memories of my evening with Gaston return. He didn’t fuck me last night. Instead, he held me until I fell asleep. It’s like he’s slowly trying to deconstruct my walls and make me fall for him with everything he does, and I’m losing the battle to resist.

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