Page 107 of Beast and Remedy
“Beau,” I sigh.
Every time we are alone is another chance. One I want and one I know he wants, too. And each new opportunity dangles in front of me, torturously.
I clench my fists, fighting against the urge to throw myself into his embrace.
He lifts a hand in surrender. “I know, I know,” he says. “Compliments won’t win you over that easily when you’re annoyed with me.”
He gestures to the alleyway, and I straighten my posture, the two of us walking to the tavern when he leans in and adds, “But I am hoping my mouth can later.”
I gasp and whirl on him. But he winks, and my stomach flutters as he opens the door.
His damned beauty. His damned dimples. And hisdamnedmouth.
Fuck, does he know how to unravel me.
The tavern is loud and bustling. Our friends wait by the stairs, and Marcel settles our lodgings for the night with the innkeeper.
Christine and Jules motion for us to follow as the owner leads us to the upper floor. Each step feels like more weight added to my exhaustion, and Beau offers me a hand.
Heat pulses where we touch, and I do my best to ignore the double squeeze he gives me.
“Here are the rooms you requested. Water for bathing can be sent up, and food will be down below.” The innkeeper drops keys into Marcel’s palm and turns to Beau as we enter and he bows. “I hope the rooms are to your liking, Your Majesty.”
“We are most grateful for your hospitality,” Beau replies with a curt nod.
The man takes his leave as Marcel gives a key to Leo and another to Jules, saving the last two for Beau and me. “Figured you and Marian can share and save Beau the energy of dealing with Leo snoring all night by giving him his own room.”
“I do not snore,” Leo says.
Christine and Jules snicker as they unlock their chambers, earning a scoff from Leo as he tries to defend himself. “Sweet Makers, this joke is growing old.”
“You’re growing old.” Christine sticks out her tongue and darts away from view.
Jules sheepishly shrugs, joining her partner while calling back. “We’ll see you at dinner.”
“Yeah, whatever,” Leo grumbles, entering his chambers and closing the door abruptly.
Marcel bites his lip before he turns and joins Jules and Christine, leaving Marian, Beau, and me in the hall.
“I wonder what they would do if they found out you were a blanket thief,” Marian taunts as Beau follows us.
“You steal blankets?” Beau clutches his chest, and I don’t miss the hint of mischief behind his smirk as I unlock the door.
“Don’t believe a word Marian says,” I tell him as we pass through the threshold, my sister rushing to plop onto the large bed placed in the center of the room.
Beau removes my pack, his face hidden from my sister and eyes filled with mirth. Heat blooms across my cheeks at his proximity, and I cough.
“Marian likes to steal things.” I squint at my sister with annoyance. “Blankets being her most common go-to.”
She shrugs, her silence proving I’m right. I don’t outright snatch my sheets from someone in the middle of the night. That’s all Marian.
Beau chuckles, easing our satchels along the wall. “I have a sneaking suspicion you both are the culprits.”
I glare, and he laughs harder.
“I won’t say anything more. But I’ll leave you two so we can all freshen up before gorging ourselves on a hearty meal.”
Marian nods, and Beau takes his leave.
