Page 28 of The Beast of Ashwood Manor

“That doesn’t sound very nice.”

“No, it wasn’t. It’s one of the reasons I left my—” I stopped myself, not wanting this man to know of my past. He was the lord of a manor, and by now, I realized that there was no way he would ever lower himself to my status. It was foolish of me to think I could ever try and get him to love me to break the curse.

I’m nothing in his eyes.

I suddenly looked away, feeling ashamed.

“What’s wrong?” Gil asked.

“It’s nothing,” I said.

“All right.” He sighed heavily.

When someone knocked on the door, Gil called them in. Natalie stepped in, bringing in a bowl of water. She set it down on the table between us, nodded, and left without a word.

I noticed how quiet Gil had gone and ventured, “Was Natalie your lover once?”

Gil’s brows popped up. “No. She just doesn’t like me. She doesn’t talk to me. It’s her choice.”

“So, you enjoy just staying cooped up inside your tower all the time, alone?”

“I have Dyna. My cat. Surely you’ve seen her around. Striped tabby.”

“Yes. I’ve seen her several times outside. She comes up to me often.”

“She does?” He looked surprised. “Dyna doesn’t care much for anyone.” He dropped my hand before getting up.

“Are you done?”

“Yes, wash it.”

“Thank you.” I glanced at him. “I’m sorry, by the way, for before, when I said we could try to break the curse. I should have known it should be with someone of higher status that could do it.”

“What are you talking about?” His brow wrinkled in confusion.

“I’m beneath you.” I sprang up from my seat, growing flustered. “I shouldn’t have suggested such a thing when it’s obvious you’d rather try with someone else who, you know, isn’t some farm boy or kitchen knave.”

Gil smiled and looked down. “You think that’s why I rejected your proposal?”

“I don’t know. I’m saying I’m embarrassed for suggesting it. I’ve never lived around nobles. I’ve only seen them a few times, and each time, I was told what to do and called dirt by them. Why would I think you’d be any different just because you don’t look or act like one? It makes sense why you’ve been ignoring me when I try to talk to you. I was confused and—”

“Cale, you don’t need to explain this.” He put up a hand. “I understand what you’re saying, and believe me when I tell you you’re wrong. I am the one beneath you all. This was all my fault. And now, I have to reap the consequences. I’ve ignored you because . . . I have no hope left, so forgive me for being rude. I’m trying to right my wrongs here.”

I looked down, pondering his words, when he came up to me. I met his eyes as he stared at me in a new way.

“I don’t accept your apology,” he went on, “because there’s nothing for you to be sorry for. So forget it, all right?” When I nodded, he added, “I’m wary because I’ve been hurt, not because you’re not a noble. Besides, it’s nothing more than a title. It means nothing to me anymore.”

“Is that why you say you don’t have servants?”

“Yes.”

His sudden change in mood and tone took me by surprise, and I couldn’t help but ask, “You told me to ask first, so I will. The chicken coop is in bad shape. Could I build a new one?”

Gil smiled and nodded. “Yes.”

My insides pulled.

He smiled at me, and he doesn’t think I’m below him after all. I may still have a chance at this working. I’ll try another way.

---