Page 60 of Beast

He chuckles, his pale gray eyes gleaming under the dim light. “We shall see.”

And just like that all the irritation and anger toward him returns. He’s so cocky it’s infuriating.

The moment we pull away from the curb, the reality of my situation begins to sink in. I’m finally free from Gaston’s control, no longer trapped in his lavish prison. Yet despite my regained freedom, I can’t deny the thrill that courses through me knowing he intends to pursue me back home.

While his cocky arrogance infuriates me, I know it masks his true feelings. Our time together has shown me glimpses of the man behind the beast. I know he cares for me. And now, the tables have turned. For once, I’ll have the upper hand on my home turf.

Gaston’s hand remains on my thigh for the entire drive to airport. I don’t bother trying to remove it. Let him grasp and grope while he still can. Soon I’ll be back among familiar streets, my friends, my life at Brown. Back where I belong.

Gaston may be powerful, but he doesn’t intimidate me. I won’t be controlled or dominated, not anymore. If he wants me, he’ll have to earn it. And I intend to make him work for it.

Perhaps I shouldn’t indulge these dangerous thoughts. I should focus on recovery and healing from my ordeal. But I can’t deny the tantalizing thrill of the chase, of having Gaston’s singular focus fixed upon me. Let him try to seduce me on my turf, I’m more than ready for that challenge.

Gaston leans in, his breath hot against my ear. “You won’t escape me easily, beautiful. I’ll have you begging again for me soon enough.”

I turn and fix him with a defiant stare. “Careful, Gaston. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

His eyes blaze with lustful intent. Good. Let him burn for me. I’ll stoke those flames, then leave him smoldering in frustration, a victim of his own desires.

This time, I’m the one in control. And I intend to savor every minute of it.

24

GASTON

“Damien, I’m not going to argue about this. I’m in the States for as long as I need to be and that’s final,” I reiterate firmly into the phone.

I can practically hear Damien fuming on the other end of the line. “Have you lost your mind? You’ve just been on vacation and been back one day. And now you’ve taken off without warning and have no idea when you’re back. The board is going to riot when they find out. What the hell is going on?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, already exhausted by this conversation. “I’ve got some personal affairs to attend to. That’s all you need to know.”

“Personal affairs? What could possibly be so important that you’d leave everything behind in Mexico?” Damien demands.

I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. While I trust Damien, this situation with Blake is complicated. The less he knows, the better.

“It’s confidential,” I respond. “I’ve got something I need to take care of here. I can’t discuss it.”

Damien sighs heavily. “You know I can’t keep the board at bay forever. They’re going to want answers.”

“Just tell them it’s a family emergency. I had to leave immediately.” It’s vague enough to give me some cover for now.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, Gaston,” Damien says warily. “This isn’t like you to take off so suddenly. Does this have something to do with that girl?”

I stiffen. Damien is too damn perceptive sometimes. “Like I said, it’s confidential. Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to.”

“Fine, have it your way. But you better get this sorted quickly. I can only hold off the board for so long before they start making moves to oust you as CEO,” Damien warns.

“I understand. Just do what you can and I’ll be back as soon as I’m able,” I confirm. “I’ve got to go now. I’ll be in touch soon.”

Before Damien can object further, I end the call. I know he’ll have a hundred more questions, but I don’t have time for them now.

Blake glares at me, sitting in the seat opposite. Lifting my whiskey, I raise my glass to her. “To America,” I toast.

Taren and Alice are on the other side of the plane, looking uncertain. I notice them cast glances over and talk in hushed voices now and then.

“How exactly is this going to work?” Blake asks, arms crossed over her chest.

I take a slow sip of my whiskey, contemplating how to respond. Blake is back to her fiery as ever self, her blue eyes flashing with defiance. It’s one of the things I admire most about her. She’s a fighter.

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