Page 165 of Beast and Remedy
Beau’s brows furrow, contemplative. “I’ll admit, even I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”
Knowing I sound ridiculous, I cast the notion aside faster than I revealed it. “I know, which is why I don’t think it’s worth dwelling on.” I gesture to our surroundings, and his gaze follows as I move away once more. “So, let’s get back to what is important.”
I try to drop it and not linger on past issues when there is a larger, scarier issue pressing against my chest.
Transitioning intentionally in front of Beau.
The mortifying doom washes over me, as does the looming in the depths of my magic. If I don’t do this—accept this—I’ll be cursed as a beast.Forever.
I swallow the thickness clogging my throat as he studies me.
He wouldn’t stick around, nor would he love you, Vi.
More worries drift forward, and I hate how anxiety creeps forth in my mind whenever stress takes hold, making my thoughts bounce to every fear, misgiving, failure, and doubt.
I need to focus on one thing at a time.
I need to push every emotion and notion aside, and then I’ll be fine.
I’ll manage.
Beau takes my hand, trying to guide me. But I plant my feet on the ground, not wanting to budge or to be distracted by my fears coming to pass.
“Beau, stop. I’m fine.”
He halts his efforts, and instead of listening like I expect him to, he bends and grabs my legs, lifting and hauling me over his shoulder.
I gasp, wiggling against his hold and hitting his back when he starts walking. “Hey! Put me down!”
Beau spanks my backside, and I gasp, fury festering in my chest.
“Did you—”
He does it again, and I hiss, hating how I find it arousing now instead of frustrating.
“I did.”
“We don’t have time for this, Beau!” I squirm against his hold as he smacks my ass again. Biting my lip, I close my eyes, suppressing the moan wanting to escape as he rubs the minor sting away with each step.
“Then, I suggest you stop hiding from me.” He hauls me off with ease and he braces me against a tree. “There’s more going on inside that head of yours. Now, talk, Vi.”
I push back, needing to create some space, and he allows a little but remains close.
“It’s not worth discussing,” I explain, hoping we can drop it for now and move on.
“It is,” he argues. “Now, tell me.”
“There’s a multitude of things.”
“Is one of those about how adorably stubborn you are?” He brushes his nose along mine.
I huff, wanting to deny him any sign of cheerfulness.
But he presses his hips into mine, leaning in with a ghost of a kiss on my lips. “Shall I win you over with worshipping your body?”
The mention of my body and our purpose today has me shrinking farther into myself and averting my gaze completely.
“Rosebud?” He cups my chin, but I swipe it away, and I swear I feel his sadness from my denial as if it was my own pain. “Did I overstep earlier? I was trying to be playful with you, my love. I swear I wasn’t trying to push anything on you—”
