Page 133 of Beast and Remedy
But recently, Beau confided in me about a swelling appearing in her lower spine. It was something new, and something he said could travel upward until it reached her brain.
“It’s good this time,” Jules says with confidence as she lifts her cup first.
Marian’s dark gaze flicks to mine, and I raise my glass, hoping I might be able to see a change in her after having the tea.
“Cheers,” Marcel says, and we all take a sip, surprise dancing across everyone’s features, even Marian’s.
The ratios this time are perfect, and at the swallow we take, it’s clear everyone thinks the same.
“It’s disgusting,” Leo says with a grimace.
Christine smacks him. “Clearly, you don’t have any taste buds if you think it’s gross.”
“Yeah, because you two have ruined my taste buds since making us try this every night.”
Everyone breaks out in laughter as Christine fights her own amusement.
“Whatever.” She crosses her arms, rolling her eyes with exaggeration.
Leo takes another sip, enjoying it like the rest of us.
Beau smirks into his cup as we enjoy ourselves, his fingers brushing along mine anytime no one is looking.
With everyone relaxing for the night, Jules and Christine lie beside one another on their blanket, pointing to the sky as Marcel huddles close to his partners.
Marian’s mood lightens, with her healing session with Beau shorter than this morning, and I’m hopeful the tea counteracts her symptoms. She hovers close to Leo, the two of them admiring the stars.
It is then that I, too, peer up, a comfort settling over me from the lavender tea as Beau remains beside me.
“I’ve missed that.”
Beau’s barely audible whisper catches my attention.
“Missed what?”
He gazes up at the constellations before he covers my hand with his. “That smile of yours.” He squeezes twice, sending my heart into a frenzy.
I shrink inwardly, my waves falling forward as heat creeps across my skin. I tilt my head up to the night-filled sky. “I’ve missed this.”
“Missed what?”
“Time spent with you.”
He hums and reclines, folding his hands over his chest and closing his eyes with a contented sigh. “I’ve missed that, too.”
I admire and savor every detail of him like it could be my last, my heart so full and so…relievedhe’s here.
Beau’s golden eyes open, holding mine with desire and tenderness as he pats the blanket.
I’ve slept next to him for most of our trip, and while the urge is there to nuzzle into his chest, I take a deep breath before easing down.
“Careful, I would think you don’t like me,” he teases.
With a hint of sarcasm, I say, “And what if I also said I don’t like being close to you—”
“What?”
Beau whips his head, and I fight back a grin, losing the battle when I snort and face him. “I don’t like being close to you because all I want to do is be on top of you.”
