Page 68 of Beast and Remedy
“But what?”
An ache pushes against my chest, and I rub my sternum, trying to keep my fears and emotions locked down.
But a knot forms in my throat, and I choke out, “I-I-I’m afraid there isn’t enough time for Marian.”
Beau’s demeanor shifts, concern and sadness lining his handsome features as he hunches forward.
“Vi,” he murmurs.
I avert my gaze.
I can’t let him see me like this. Ican’tbreak.
“Rosebud,” Beau whispers, the couch dipping as he sits by me.
I shake my head, my stubbornness the only thing keeping me together when all I want is to fall apart.
But when arms envelop me and drag me to a hard chest, I waver.
Adjusting in Beau’s embrace, I grip his shirt as he cradles my head, letting the nostalgic scent of sugared lemon and pine cocoon me and shelter me.
I want to damn my heart for weakening my resolve—for tapping into how badly I’ve missed everything about him—aboutus. But I can’t.
All I can think of are the hundreds of letters, late-night confessions, and promises…
All now broken, tarnished, and even more forbidden.
The wishes and dreams fizzle, and I relax my hold, arching away and separating us.
“I-I can’t,” I whisper, needing to stop before I get ahead of myself.
But when his calloused fingers rest on my chin, tilting it up, I go taut.
“I can if you want me to,” he says, his voice lowering and his eyes simmering with desire.
It undoes me. “Deities, do I want you to. So.Fucking. Badly.”
He lowers his lips to mine, and I melt into him, closing my eyes and pulling him close.
My heart bursts as our mouths clash, our souls reuniting as one. As they were always meant to be.
I climb into his lap, the kiss deepening, turning frantic.
Beau’s touch drifts down to my throat, and another touch roams to my backside.
And when he squeezes both, I whimper, loving his hands collaring themselves to me.
Owning me.
Possessing me.
Beau groans, and it sends me into a frenzy.
I dig my nails into his back, wanting him—needinghim.
Rolling my hips, I revel in the friction of our bodies rocking in tandem, his hardness pressing against me.
He rewards me with another light squeeze, stealing my breath and keeping me captive. But slowly, Beau relaxes his hold and lessens his movements, our moment ending.
