Page 189 of Beast and Remedy
“Hey!” I scowl and push up from the table. “I haven’t had the chance to read anything besides educational text as of late. Don’t ruin my fun.”
Leo snickers, and I peer at Beau for support.
“There are plenty of books to go around,” he says with reassurance as he stands.
“I’ll say,” Leo starts. “One would even say you have too many.”
My mouth falls as I whirl on Leo. “There arenevertoo many books!”
He raises his hands in surrender. “Relax, I’m only teasing.” Leo combs back his hair as I roll my eyes. “Enjoy surrounding yourselves with too many books rather than a soft bed tonight.” He extends his arm to my sister. “Now, Marian, care to not stumble alone to your rooms?”
“Always.” She takes Leo’s elbow, bidding Beau and me a good night.
I don’t miss their proximity inching closer the further they walk and pass through the threshold.
Beau runs his fingers along mine once their footsteps recede. “Imighthave lied just now,” he confesses in a hushed whisper.
Suspicion lifts my gaze to his, and desire simmers behind his golden irises.
Beau leans in a fraction, the scent of citrus and wine dancing near my nose and warming me as he smirks. “I wanted an excuse to have you alone again.”
“But what about the alchemy room or the library?” I ask, disappointment carrying on the last word.
I’d really love to soak up the rest of the night with a good book. It’s beensolong.
He huffs a laugh. “We can certainly go there should you like, as long as we can celebrate our success together.”
“Isn’t that what this was?” I gesture to the table.
“That was only dinner.”
I know what he is insinuating, but I can’t help but taunt him a little. “And what about tomorrow? I’m sure we can celebrate with everyone when they arrive.”
Beau grunts, the slightest sign of annoyance, before he glances toward the door. Turning back with a wicked grin, he takes me by surprise and cups my face, guiding my mouth to his.
His kiss is rough and demanding, and I fall into it, unable to resist the call to envelop myself in his arms. Beau moves one hand down my body, finding my ass and squeezing.
I groan when he breaks away, staring intently into my eyes. “Do I always have to bluntly tell you and show you how much I want you?”
I bite my lower lip, dragging it through my teeth.
Beau’s eyes trace the movement. “Fuck, I want to nibble and suck that lip more than anything in the world.”
The need to have him leaves me tingly—itchy. And I close my fists with restraint for fear of getting caught in the open.
Youalsoshouldn’t be getting your hopes up, Vi.
But I am a glutton for attention.Hisattention.
“Why don’t you?” I whisper, and he growls, capturing my mouth once more.
The hair on the back of my neck rises, and I moan. My control wavers as he pulls me closer.
I touch him everywhere, and, Deities, his tunic is soft and his kiss ishungry.
Passionate. Powerful.Perfect.
I snake my hands up, threading my fingers through his blond locks before tugging.
