Page 90 of Beast and Remedy
“But—”
He steals my breath and crashes his lips against mine, and I melt into it. Beau doesn’t deepen the kiss but rather pulls away slowly, studying me as I finish my sentence.
“But how would we even—”
“I’ll always find a way to be with you.” He drops a peck to the tip of my nose, drawing a full grin from me.
I could say yes. I could kiss him, and everything would be—no.
Everything would not be okay.
Marian would still be ill, and Beau would still be banished by Papa.
Sighing, I shut down my hope, despite my own dismay. I hate how it’s impossible one moment and then whenever I am in his embrace it all seems possible. Easy. Safe.
Damn my heart.
I lower my gaze, muttering, “We should go back inside.”
Without missing a beat, Beau loosens his hold, respecting my boundaries despite the hardness between his legs. It isn’t until we’re both upright that I notice he is still clutching the letter.
But he doesn’t look at me.
Instead, he watches the ground, and my soul fractures.
I want to talk to him, want to be with him in every way possible, but I have to keep my distance.
I can’t jeopardize my kingdom, and Beau can’t do the same, either.
No matter how badly we both want to.
But the idiot I am ignored that, and this is the consequence. Reliving my heartbreak and soul splitting all over again.
Why can’t you use your brain when it comes to matters of the heart, Vi?
“Why do you carry it with you?” Beau asks after I take the letter and put it in my pack.
My waves blow across my vision, and I tuck a few pieces behind my ears. “I keep it as a reminder.”
Okay, Vi. Not the truth but also not a lie.
“A reminder of what?” He lifts his head, his hair disheveled, and the loss of light is evident behind his eyes.
“It’s—”
My voice cracks.
I can’t tell him why I brought it. It will make me sound like a hypocrite. And somehow, Ishouldmake myself look stupid. Anything that might paint me in a bad light could help keep him away.
But I can’t lie about what he and his words do for me.
“It’s a reminder that love is just as profound as logic. Love and logic can be powerful motivators. And I will need all the motivation I can muster if I am going to save my sister and my kingdom.”
Beau’s features soften. He steps forward and takes my hand, lifting it to rest across his chest.
His calloused thumb rubs my skin in sweet, tantalizing circles. “I am honored my words can be a part of that for you.” He kisses my forehead.
Heat blooms from where his lips leave a trace, and my heart skips as the warmth from his kiss travels down to my core.
