Page 25 of The Beast Between Us
“No,” I admit. “I’ve only been here a few days… and yet I’m more relaxed than I’ve ever been.”
“You seem rather tense for someone who claims to be relaxed,” he says, still not touching the food in front of him.
I thought he was starving…
“I’m nervous,” I confess.
“Why?”
“You,” I say simply. “I’m afraid of doing or saying something that would upset you.”
His head lifts slightly, eyes narrowing.
“I wouldn’t hurt you,” he growls, deeply offended.
And as if to echo his mood, thunder cracks overhead…loud enough to rattle the walls.
“Oh! You misunderstand,” I say quickly, hands raised. “It’s not because I’m afraidyou’llhurtme.”
I draw a breath.
“I’m afraid thatI’llhurtyou.Even in a small way. Even if I don’t mean to. It would still tear me apart knowing I caused you grief.”
Again, it takes him a moment to speak.
It’s as if he weighs every word before he breathes it into existence.
“Sit,” he says at last, the command firm. “Where is your food?”
“I’ve already eaten,” I reply.
“Don’t do that again,” he growls. “You will sit here and dine with me each evening.”
“Oh, sure,” I smile, surprised but warmed by the idea. “Can Oswin join us?”
“He’s always welcome,” Thorne mutters, “but good luck getting him to sit down and eat. Old man’s more stubborn than I am.”
“Well, that’s saying something,” I giggle.
He doesn’t laugh. Doesn’t even smile.
I go still, the warmth slipping from my face as I move quickly to obey. But as I sit, a sharp twinge flares in my lower back, and I grunt softly.
His eyes snap to me.
“When I finish my meal,” Thorne says, finally beginning to eat, “you will tell me what is causing you pain.”
“Oh, it’s nothing…”
“And you willnotlie,” he interrupts, his voice low and unwavering.
“Do you always get what you want?” I mutter.
“No,” he mutters back, just as low.
I sigh. “It’s not a big deal. I guess I can go ahead and tell you now.”
“No.”
