Page 22 of Falling for the Beast

“But, I don’t understand.” She closed the gate and followed him around the house. “I thought…”

He rounded on her, clenching his fists. “You thought what? That we could ignore the situation? That we could pretend nothing is wrong?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Why are you putting words into my mouth?”

“I’m not. I just—”

“You finally open up to me and tell me about your past, and now you’re shoving me away?”

Her anger surprised him, and he took a step back. “No. I—”

“You aren’t afraid someone’s going to find out about you. You know I wouldn’t tell anyone. You’re afraid of letting another person into your life. You want to shove everyone away so you can live here, alone, wrapped up in your misery.” She gave him a fierce look, fire in her eyes. She brushed past him and into the house.

“Belle…” he said, but she’d already gone. He stared at the door, unsure of what to do. She was right about all of it. He didn’t want to let her in. Didn’t want to watch her figure out exactly who he was, and what he was capable of. Didn’t want to see her turn away in fear. He raked a hand through his hair. Things had gone too far. He needed to break all ties with her. Right now.

He marched inside to do that, but the moment he saw her standing at the window, her back to him, his resolve crumbled. He approached her and when she didn’t turn to him he put his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

She spun around, brushing his hand off her. “Why are you constantly pushing me away? When I feel like we’re finally opening up to each other, you shove me back.”

He let his shoulders fall. How could he tell her the truth? That he was afraid she would hate him in the end? That he didn’t want to watch her hero worship fall away and turn into something else? His gut clenched, and he felt sick to his stomach. He didn’t know what to say, so he pulled her close.

She rested her head on his chest. “Please don’t turn me away.”

He didn’t want to. He wanted to let her in. But he would hurt her in the end, he knew it. His life was too complicated. She wouldn’t understand. But he no longer wanted to insist she leave. He wanted to hold her close. Protect her. Maybe if he tried hard enough… He pressed his lips to the top of her head. “I won’t.”

Chapter 11

Aribelle squeezed her eyes shutand held Thaddeus close. She didn’t know what to say, so she stayed silent, allowing the moment to stretch on.

Would he really let her stay in his life? Would he continue to open up to her? She wanted nothing more than to look up into his eyes and press her lips to his. But she couldn’t. She would scare him off for sure if she did that.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he said, his voice husky.

She pulled back to look at him. “I’m not hurt. I’m confused. I thought we were friends.”

He slowly nodded. “You’re right. We are.”

“Good. Then that’s settled.” That was as good as she was going to get right now. She nodded and changed the subject. “I’m going to need a tow truck.”

“I called this morning. It’s taken care of.”

“Where are they going to tow it?”

“Probably the junkyard.” His eyes apologized.

She sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Yeah. I’m sure that’s where it needs to be.” Poor Bunny. And how is she going to pay for another car? She didn’t have any savings.

“We can search online for another car.”

What else could she do? She’d have to finance a car. “Okay.” She twisted her fingers and stared at her fingernails. “I’m going to need a shower and change of clothes.”

“I can take you home.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “On your motorcycle?”

“Of course.” His lips twitched, hiding a smile.

“Isn’t it still down the hill?”

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