Page 77 of Cinder

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I must be.

Melting like an ice cube against him.

Silently begging him to touch me.

Kissing him.

Wanting him.

I’m losing sight of why I am here.

And it’s dangerous.

Any more fuckups and Lucretia will have you to thank for whatcomes next.

Remembering Luca’s words makes me shiver.

That’s why after Lars leaves, I slip into the library and walk straight to the book of fairytales.

This will be the last time I’m in the clubhouse.

This is goodbye.

Tomorrow, I won’t show up for my shift. I’ll call in sick, then I’ll take the bus to Abbottville in the next county over to visit one of my mom’s rare book dealers. And I will sell this book.

Then, I will smuggle Lucretia out of the mansion, and we’ll escape Luca for good.

I will be free.

Sad to never see Lars again.

But free.

“Now there’s someone who knows exactly what she wants to read.” The soft female voice breaks into the silence of the library.

I swing around and come face to face with a woman sitting on the couch with a baby in her arms.

Belle.

Beast’s old lady.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” she says.

She’s sitting cross-legged, her thick blonde plait pulled over one shoulder.

I smile to hide my guilt. “I didn’t realize anyone was in here.” Then I remember this is her library. The one Beast gifted her when they were married. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I hope I’m not trespassing.”

“Trespassing?” She laughs. “No, this library is for everyone. Not that anyone but me usually uses it.”

“It’s beautiful,” I say, looking around the lamp-lit room. “I think it’s the most beautiful room in the clubhouse.”

She smiles, then indicates the space beside her on the couch. “Come join me.”

I cross the room to where she is sitting in front of the fireplace.

“You’re new,” she says.

“Ella,” I say, sitting next to her.

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