Page 81 of Beast

“Gaston can be like that too,” I reply. “He has this magnetic pull that I can’t resist. And when we’re together intimately, he makes me feel...”

I trail off, a blush rising in my cheeks. Luna smiles knowingly.

“Yeah, the sex is pretty mind-blowing, right?” she says with a laugh.

I grin sheepishly. “I mean, that’s definitely part of it. But it’s more than just physical attraction. I feel like he really sees me, you know? Like he understands me.”

Luna nods, her expression growing serious again. “With Thiago, I feel like I can tell him anything. He listens and doesn’t judge me.” She bites her lip. “I don’t know if it will last. But for now, it feels right being with him.”

“I get it,” I tell her supportively. “Just be careful. We’ve seen his dangerous side firsthand.”

“You too,” Luna says, linking her arm through mine while we continue walking. “I know you’ll make the right choices for yourself.”

I smile at her gratefully, glad I’ve got such an understanding friend to confide in. Our relationships may be unconventional, but the heart wants what it wants. For now, we’ll just take it one day at a time and see where it leads. “I’m going with him to Mexico tonight for the weekend. He needs to go back for work, so I agreed to go with him.” I glance over at Luna, noticing the concerned look on her face.

“Mexico?” she asks incredulously. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Going back where...”

Her voice trails off, but I know what she’s implying. Mexico is where we got captured and where Gaston bought me from the cartel and kept me captive in his penthouse. Just thinking about it makes my stomach twist into knots.

“I know,” I say with a heavy sigh. “Believe me, going back there with him gives me major anxiety.”

Luna reaches out and gives my hand a supportive squeeze. “Then why go back there with him?” she asks gently. “That just seems like you’re asking for trouble.”

“I thought the same thing at first,” I admit. “But Gaston swears it’ll be different. He wants me to come so we can spend time together.”

Luna raises a skeptical eyebrow. “And you believe him?”

I chew my lower lip uncertainly. “I mean not completely. But I guess I want to believe him.”

“Blake...” Luna says warningly.

“I know, I know,” I say, holding up my hands. “It goes against all logic to trust him. But honestly? For some crazy reason, I do.”

Luna looks at me like I’m absolutely insane. Which, to be fair, is understandable.

“He bought me and held me captive,” I continue. “By all accounts, I should hate his guts. But...”

“But you care for him,” Luna finishes.

I nod, feeling that now familiar mix of guilt and desire. “I can’t explain it. When we’re together, it’s like nothing else matters. The rest of the world just fades away.”

Luna nods. “Just promise you’ll call me if you need anything?”

“Of course,” I assure her. “Don’t worry, I’m going into this cautiously. Mexico brings back a lot of bad memories but maybe making some good new ones will help me move on.”

Luna pulls me into a tight hug. As nervous as I am about going back there with Gaston, I know I’m doing what feels right in my heart. I just pray I won’t end up regretting it.

36

GASTON

The tension is radiating off Blake in waves while the jet soar through the skies, descending into Mexico City. Her fingers fidget with the hem of her skirt, and her eyes dart nervously out the window. I reach across the plush leather seat and gently place my hand over hers, stilling her movements.

“What’s wrong, mi reina?” I ask, my voice low and soothing. “You seem uneasy. Talk to me.”

Blake worries her bottom lip between her teeth, a habit I’ve noticed she does when she’s deep in thought. “I...I don’t know,” she admits finally. “I guess I’m more freaked out than I expected about going back to the penthouse. So much happened there, you know?”

I nod slowly, understanding. Of course she would feel apprehensive about returning to the place where I kept her captive.

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