Page 7 of The Beast Between Us
“Unfortunately,” he says with a huff, grabbing a fistful of my hair and yanking me to my feet, “that’s all the time we have.”
He steps aside, letting go.
“Now… shall we try this again?”
I nod. Numb.
And I walk.
Out of my room.
Out of the house.
My heart breaking with every step.
However will I survive the solitary life with the Beast… without my books?
Chapter Four
Thorne
“They’re here, Sire,” Oswin says from the doorway. “Shall I show them up?”
“Very well,” I reply, nodding once as I retreat to my usual place in the shadows.
The quiet stretches.
Footsteps echo faintly below…too light to be his. That must be her.
I remain still, cloaked in shadow, the dim firelight catching only the edge of my boots.
I don’t know what I expected when Holloway offered her. A bargaining chip? A trembling mouse? A child with wide eyes and no spine? But now that she’s here… I’m curious.
Not hopeful. Not foolish. Just… curious.
What kind of daughter is a man so quick to give away?
What kind of girl walks willingly into a monster’s den?
The Beast stirs, unsettled. He doesn’t like strangers. He doesn’t like change. But he’s quiet…for now. Watching, as I am.
Let her come. Let her see.
Let her fear the monster in the shadow.
A knock at the door.
“Enter,” I call, leaning back in my chair.
“Sire,” Oswin says, bowing slightly, “I have Mr. Holloway and his daughter…Miss Holloway.”
“Thank you, Oswin.” My gaze flicks toward the doorway, though I don’t rise. “Mr. Holloway, what is your daughter’s given name?”
“I’m perfectly capable of answering that question myself, my Lord,” comes a soft voice. Steady. Controlled.
Unexpected.
“Quiet, child,” Mr. Holloway snaps, tightening his grip on her arm. “Speak only when you’re spoken to.”
