Page 30 of The Beast Between Us
The satisfaction.
Thorne speaks the truth.
Lord Byronhurtswomen.
And he enjoys it.
“Still… my offer stands,” Byron says, voice slick with mockery. “If you ever change your mind and want to be rid of that small beauty of a burden hiding behind your back… I’ll gladly take her off your hands.”
I can feel his gaze even as I hide behind Thorne.
“Anyhow, I was passing through and just wanted to see if you were still alive. I’ll be off now. See you next time,Beast.”
He turns, chuckling as he descends the steps.
“Beauty and the Beast,” he laughs to himself. “And Oswin, of course. Can’t forget Oswin. Strange little group.”
Thorne slams the door shut with a thunderous crack that rattles the windows.
Then he turns…his fury no longer aimed at Byron… but at me.
“Prepare for bed,” he growls.
His voice is sharp, final. A warning.
I know better than to push him right now. So I turn and head for the grand staircase in silence.
But then…
“And Ella…”
I freeze.
But I don’t turn around.
His voice drops, low and dangerous.
“Never do such a thing again,” he growls. “You have no idea what could have happened to you had I not been here.”
I grit my teeth, heat rising in my chest. I turn slowly, trying to hold onto my composure.
“But he grabbed…”
“I don’t care if hetossedOswin across the room,” Thorne snaps, stepping closer. “Oswin knows how to handle himself. Even against someone like Byron.You,however…”
His voice falters for a beat.
“You would have paid ahorridprice had he grabbed you and left.”
I remain silent.
His words echo through my mind, heavier than the storm outside.
You would have paid a horrid price…
I look into his eyes, still glowing faintly, still wild, and see something beneath the fury.
My anger slips away, replaced by something quieter.
