Page 97 of Beast and Remedy
I glance between where everyone sleeps and the mountain pass, the small flicker of joy I had wilting and withering away.
“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” Beau offers, drawing my attention back.
My chest swells, appreciating how well he understands me.
He knows my mind, body, and soul. Knows when to push and pull. What makes me tic, what riles me up, what lures me in, and what keeps me away.
My love remains buried deep in my chest, hidden from prying eyes, but his lovefeelsdifferent. Reuniting after all this time has invigorated him—enticed him—to put himself out there more now than he ever did in the past.
I was the one putting my heart on the line then, and now, it’s shifted. And I can’t help the flutter in my chest.
Smiling, I take his hand and rise, not releasing him right away.
Beau notices immediately, and I bring his knuckles to my lips, kissing them gently.
Our foreheads meet, and our breaths catch.
I close my eyes and inhale his sugary scent. “Beau,” I whisper, my voice dissolving into the quiet.
He brushes his thumb along my cheek, the calluses rough and bumpy, but still him.
StillmyBeau.
“I miss you, too,” I say, my heart sinking as I force out, “But I… I can’t rush into this right now. So much is happening I—”
“I know.” He kisses my brow. “A lot is going on, and despite everything happening, I want you to know how I feel. I want you to know my intentions. I want to flirt with you. And I definitely want to tease you.” He winks, his teeth gleaming.
I huff a laugh, unable to hide my enjoyment.
But Beau’s voice dips with urgency. “I want to do these things because I lost so much time with you. I want to do everything with you. But most importantly, despite what I want and may hint at…” His gaze flicks between my mouth and my eyes. “Idon’t want you to feel pressured. I always want you to decide what you want for yourself.”
“You haven’t pressured me,” I say. “I want you to kiss me. I want you to touch me. I want you, Beau. Badly. That need is unfathomable now more than ever. But I’m—”
My words run dry, and I look away, the fear of getting him back only to lose him again is palpable and pragmatic. I don’t even know if I can let myself have this chance, only for us to be separated when this is all over.
And when I have to find a husband…
Agony rips through me. What I agreed to do in order for Beau to help me find a remedy.
Shit. There is so much I’m—
“What’s wrong?”
His voice cracks, an edge of worry behind it. He guides me back, and my resolve shatters.
“I’mscared,” I confess.
Beau pulls me into his chest, cradling my head and keeping me close.
In his embrace, his love and protection blanket me with safety, enough to let my emotions surge forth. Stupid tears.
I push them down and wrap my arms around him, clutching his shirt.
Deities, I’ve missed him. My best friend, my person, myeverything.
It’s always been easy and natural with him. And while I have Marian, my family, and my other friends, I’ve constantly repressed my own feelings, reluctant to be fully open—fully myself with them.
And it’s never been like that with Beau.
