Page 126 of Beast and Remedy
My eyes flutter, unable to focus—unable to do anything beyond hearing his words.
Beau grunts, and then his strong hand steadies my head, tilting it back.
Heat spans over my skin as he swipes his thumb across my lips. Beams of light and brilliance steady me and illuminate him, his power and his magnificence.
Yet I’m too immobile to do or say anything. All I can do is cling to him as he cradles me, rocking me before draping something, a frock, over me.
I don’t know how long he holds me, nor do I know how long he sends endless streams of his magic into me.
But he sweeps my waves away, his voice tender and ardent. “You know, I love being able to tell how long you’ve gone without washing your hair. Your waves lose their bounce with each passing day.”
He uses the cloak to wipe away my tears and clean my blood-crusted nose. “And do you know how much I love your eyes? How I can lose myself in the depths of how lusciously green they are? Or the smallest of freckles gracing your skin I can never keep count of?”
He plants kisses along my brow. “And as much as I love your stubbornness, it’s your strength and intellect that always seizes me. You capture my heart, Vivienne. You capture my entire soul.” His voice cracks, and he sniffs, resting his chin on my head. “I love you so fucking much. And I’m so sorry I didn’t find you sooner. Didn’t offer my help sooner. But no more. I’m with you. Always.”
He doesn’t stop swaying me, his heartbeat frantic and erratic like my own.
I nuzzle into his tunic, pine and citrus blanketing me with a comfort I’ve missed and yearned to have for so long. My breathing steadies while the tremors recede, and Beau withdraws his magic, the small flicker of dawn encircling us.
I crane my neck back, Beau’s golden irises holding me captive as his dimples appear. “Hello, Rosebud.”
I cup his face and smile gently, my throat dry and my voice scratchy. “Hi, B.”
He snorts, his features wrinkling with pure joy, making him unbelievably attractive. “Deities, you haven’t called me that in ages.”
I hum my agreement, my thumb grazing along his stubble, nostalgia passing between us and gratitude tugging at my heart.
Beau leans into my touch, kissing my palm before his gaze turns haunted. “You’ve been handling this by yourself all this time, and I—” He takes a long sharp breath and exhales. “I was so worried you weren’t going to be alright. I was so worried everything I was doing wasn’t helping you. And when you started—”
“Shhhh.” I press my finger to his lips. “You helped in so many ways, and I will be forever grateful.” I kiss him tenderly.
He squeezes me, pinning me to his chest.
Entangled in one another, I almost forget my lack of clothing, too preoccupied with his mouth capturing mine.
I crave more and fist his tunic, nipping at his bottom lip as desire grows in my core.
He hums, his hands rubbing my back. “I will be forever grateful for you.”
“Likewise,” I purr, more of my energy returning and wanting to expel it in another way.
His hardness presses against me, and when I trail my hand down his abdomen, he flexes, groaning. “Youreallywant to tempt me right now?”
I draw back with a smirk, running my fingers along his trousers. “Last I remember, you were the one offering to fuck me against a tree.”
He gulps. “Yes.” His eyes roll, head falling back. “Yes, I did offer that.”
Wickedly, I tease him more, plucking the waistline of his pants. “And I’m already naked,” I add before straddling him and whispering. “And wet for you.”
I grind against him, his groan coaxing me on as he clutches the cloak draped over me.
“Are you—are you sure?” Beau asks, observing the trees as he kneads my ass, like he can’t restrain himself. “Your body went through something traumatic. You should take some time to recover and heal—”
“You already healed me,” I muse, snaking my fingers through his hair and yanking him back. “And one could even argue that my body functioning like normal again is another sign I am more than alright to be fucked against a tree.” I inch down, kissing him and rolling my hips once before breaking away with a devious smile. “I ammorethan sure, B.”
His eyelashes flutter, but they jolt open to something behind me.
I stiffen, worried we’ve been caught and trying to find a reason to explain why I’m on top of Beau—
