Page 80 of Beast

I nod even though she can’t see me through the phone. “I understand. But I promise, it’ll be different this time. I want you by my side. We can spend the weekend exploring if you want, order in your favorite foods, lounge by the pool...”

I trail off, hoping to entice her. When she doesn’t immediately respond, I decide to pull out all the stops.

“Please, Blake,” I say softly. “I need you with me. I sleep better with you in my arms. And next weekend, I’ll take you anywhere you want to go—Paris, Tokyo, Antigua...”

I hear her sharp intake of breath at the mention of Antigua and I know I have her.

“Well, Antigua does sound nice...” she says slowly.

“It’s settled then!” I declare. “I’ll pick you up after your classes today and we’ll fly out tonight. Don’t worry about packing, I’ll have everything you need waiting in the penthouse.”

“Okay,” she agrees after a moment’s pause. “I’ll see you later.”

I can’t help but grind, ending the call. She’s coming with me, willingly. I’ve got her exactly where I want her. Mine, in every way that matters. This weekend in Mexico will only draw her closer to me. Another step to making her love me.

35

BLAKE

I’m rushing across campus to my next class when I practically slam into Luna. She grabs my arm to steady us both.

“Well, well, look who it is,” she says with a wink.

I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. Of course she noticed I never came back to the apartment after running into Gaston at the part.

“It was a late night,” I mutter, avoiding eye contact.

“I bet it was!” Luna laughs. “I saw you leave the party with him, Blake. What was that all about?”

I sigh, unsure of how to even begin explaining the complicated situation with Gaston. “It’s complicated,” I say finally. “I don’t even know where to start.”

Luna loops her arm through mine as we walk across the quad together. “Just tell me the truth. Do you like him?”

I hesitate before answering quietly, “Yes. As much as I hate to admit it, I really do.”

Luna nods thoughtfully. “But you feel guilty about it because of everything that happened between you two before?”

“Exactly,” I reply. “He’s dangerous, controlling, and morally corrupt. I should want nothing to do with him. But I can’t stop thinking about him. It’s like I’m addicted or something.”

“Love and attraction don’t always make sense,” Luna says gently. “The heart wants what it wants, even when the head knows better.”

I shake my head in frustration. “I hate myself for feeling this way. He’s bad news, but I still have all these feelings for him.”

Luna gives my arm a supportive squeeze. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve been through a traumatic experience with him. It’s normal to feel drawn back to that intensity. Just be smart and keep yourself safe.” Her jaw clenches. “Believe me, I know how you feel from first hand experience.”

“Right. Thiago. How’s that going?” I ask.

She sighs. “I’m hooked on him despite knowing he’s dangerous and bad for me. A bit like you and Gaston, I guess?”

After everything we went through, having feelings for one of our captors seems crazy.

“I thought it was Stockholm Syndrome at first,” Luna says quietly. “Being attracted to Thiago after he held us captive. But even now that we’re free, I still have feelings for him.”

She pauses, looking down at the ground. “We’ve been dating since we got back to Providence. And as much as I try to deny it, I really like him.”

I nod in understanding. “I know how confusing it is. With Gaston, I feel so drawn to him, but I also know he’s dangerous. It goes against all logic.”

“Exactly,” Luna agrees. “With Thiago, he acts all tough and menacing. But when we’re alone, he’s different. I see this whole other side to him.”

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