Page 52 of Beast

I let out a resigned sigh, watching Gaston’s muscular, beautiful body while he slides out of the bed. “Come on, get up and get dressed,” he says briskly. “I want to explore the town we’ve docked near. I think you’ll find it charming.”

Gaston senses my hesitation, sitting down on the edge of the bed, his hand coming to rest on my thigh. Despite myself, I feel a spark of electricity at his touch.

“Don’t look so worried, mi reina,” he says, his voice gentler now. “We will just spend the day together and get to know each other better. I promise to be on my best behavior.”

I nod in response, forcing myself to get out of bed, donning a breezy sundress and sandals. The whole time I can feel Gaston’s eyes on me, watching my every move.

Once I’m ready, he offers me his arm. “Shall we go explore?”

I hesitate only a moment before slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow. As we make our way onto the deck, I’m struck again by the beauty of the crystal blue waters surrounding us.

We disembark onto a rib boat, since we couldn’t get closer to the town due to the size of yacht. It bounces over the waves as we make our way toward the picturesque seaside town.

Despite my lingering unease, I can’t help but enjoy the salty breeze tousling my hair and the dazzling aquamarine water all around us. Gaston looks perfectly at home behind the wheel, exuding an air of casual command.

We dock at a tiny pontoon and disembark. The town is every bit as charming as Gaston promised, with cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and lush tropical foliage everywhere.

Gaston takes my hand. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

I nod in response while he leads me away from the dock and into the center of the town. It should feel weird being out in public hand in hand with him, but it doesn’t, nothing has felt more natural as Gaston points out sights.

On occasions when we stop to look at something, Gaston’s arms settle around my waist. Anyone would think we’re a normal couple on vacation.

“Are you hungry?” he asks after a few hours of sight seeing.

I nod. “Starving.”

“Good. I know the perfect place.” He leads me down toward the beach where there’s a delightful little beach restaurant.

Gaston speaks to the host in Spanish, and hearing him speaking Spanish is so alluring, then the host leads us to an outdoor table shaded by palms. It’s got a spectacular ocean view. Never before have I had a meal in such a picturesque setting. Gaston orders an assortment of fresh seafood, ceviche, shrimp skewers, grilled fish. It’s all delicious.

“How do you like the town?” he asks.

“This place is beautiful.”

“I’m glad you think so. When I saw it on the map, I thought you might appreciate the charm.”

“You were right. Thank you for bringing me here.” Despite my reluctance to go on this trip with him, it beats being cooped up in that apartment.

“Tell me more about your interests,” Gaston says after a while. “What do you enjoy doing in your free time other than surfing?”

It feels strangely intimate discussing my hobbies and passions with him, but the earnest curiosity in his gray eyes compels me to open up.

“I like being outdoors and active,” I begin slowly. “Hiking, swimming, and surfing whenever I get the chance. I find it freeing, being out in nature away from everything.”

Gaston smiles. “No wonder you were so impatient stuck in the apartment. I’ll have to take you out more.”

The idea sends an unexpected thrill through me. To cover it, I take another sip of wine before continuing. “I also enjoy painting and creative things. Always have, ever since I was young. Only problem is that I often find I don’t finish projects. The difficulties of ADHD, I admit.” I tilt my head. “What about you?”

He arches a brow. “What about me?”

“What are your hobbies?” I ask.

His lips press together and he shakes his head. “Unfortunately I don’t have time for hobbies. All I do is work.”

Gaston’s words give me pause. All he does is work? That doesn’t sound very fulfilling.

“Don’t you ever take time for yourself? For relaxation or enjoyment?” I press.

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