Page 18 of Isabelle and the Beast

Theo shrugs.

Brigette sighs. “Isabelle, would you mind taking Theo to the library? It’s just a few doors down from here, and Theo knows the way. Breakfast will be ready in about fifteen minutes. This way you can pass the time without falling asleep at the table.”

I stretch my arms high above my head, trying to pump blood through my body. “Sounds good.”

Theo holds his hand out to me, and with a smile, I grasp his tiny fingers. He pulls me with alarming strength out of the kitchen and into the main part of the castle.

“Do you like being here?” I ask. Even though Adam doesn’t allow bright lights, the morning sun streams through the stained-glass windows, reflecting colorful lights all over the floor, and I can finally see the place more clearly. Red and purple velvet drapes hang from the windows. The walls are covered with paintings of the countryside; my guess is they’re of their home in England.

“Yes. It’s fun because there are a lot of places to hide.”

I snort a laugh. “Where’s your favorite place to hide?”

He eyes me suspiciously. “I can’t tell you. Then it wouldn’t be a hiding place anymore.”

“Mm, true.” I give him a serious nod. He seems appeased and keeps leading me through the halls.

I’m caught up studying the paintings and decorations in the castle, not to mention still half-asleep, so I don’t immediately notice when the door to my right opens, and Adam Stone comes barreling out.

“Agh!” I cry. Not only am I caught off guard by his presence, but with the full sunlight on him, his appearance is even MORE shocking. How is this the man who portrayed Harry Ryland inLive Another Day, the dashing World War 2 hero who saved the United States from an alien invasion?

Yes, that was a real movie.

He seems just as startled to see me, almost like he forgot I was here, his eyes wide and piercing. Well, one eye. Now that the morning light is streaming in the castle, I can clearly see the scar over his left eye, from his forehead down to his cheek, and that eye is glassy. Still, I inhale sharply at the intensity of his full attention on me. For a moment, I can see the Adam Stone who made me swoon in the movies. It wasn’t just about his grooming, but that intense gaze could make a girl fall in love.

But in a split second, his shock turns to disdain. Eyes narrowed, jaw set, he looks like the carnivorous beast from last night.

Brave Warrior Isabelle won’t take his attitude. I look away and pull on Theo’s hand. “Let’s go.”

I tip my chin up and walk past Adam, catching a glimpse of him watching me out of the corner of his eye. Maybe he’s repulsed by the pajamas that are too short or the bunny slippers on my feet. Let him watch. I won’t be afraid of him.

But a single word from him stops me dead in my tracks.

“Wait.”

Chapter

Nine

ADAM

Why did I tell her to wait?

What exactly is she waiting for?

I’m not sure, but now that I see Isabelle in front of me, all I know is that I want to be near her. After speaking with Lionel, realizing how much she affects and challenges me, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this beautiful woman.

She’s wearing Lily’s pajamas, which are understandably short on her, and a pair of bunny slippers. My mother always loved wearing them and kept a full stash in all sizes for guests here at the castle. Isabelle’s attire is slightly ridiculous but also endearing.

Her eyes are tired, though. I thought Lily’s bed was comfortable, but perhaps she’s nervous about being here. I’ll have to ask Brigette to check on that later.

“Where…are you going?” I finally ask.

“To the library,” Theodore says, still with his hand firmly in Isabelle’s. “She’s bored.”

Isabelle shrugs. “No cell service, no Internet, so I need something to do while I’m here.”

“Hmm.” I’m not sure how to ask if I can come along withoutseeming strange. After all, I was exceedingly rude to her last night. But I want to know more and learn more about her, the woman who dared to tell me off and refused to be in a movie with me. I should hate her, shouldn’t I? Instead, I want to be with her even more.

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