Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 66503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
I laugh against his lips. “Why do you keep saying that?”
He doesn’t often smile, but when he does, it’s the best feeling in the world. “Because it’s true.”
“But you don’t have to say it every day.”
“Yes, I do. And I’ll keep saying it until you believe it too,” he retorts.
He tips my chin up and smashes his lips onto mine, reminding me of his unforgettable hold on my heart, only stopping for a breath.
I quickly push away and step back, licking my lips with excitement.
“Aurora …” Beast warns.
I know he hates it when I walk away from him.
Especially when he wants to claim me like that.
“I have a surprise,” I say.
His brow furrows, and his eyes narrow. “I don’t like surprises.”
“I know you don’t, but this is a good one,” I say as I walk back out of the bedroom. “I promise.” He follows me into the living room, and I go into the kitchen and huddle onto my knees so I can reach the small cabinet in the back.
And I pull out a small pot I bought and the seeds I kept hidden underneath. I stand and hold it out to him. “Ta-da.”
He tilts his head like he’s confused. “What is it?”
I smirk. “Take a guess.”
“A pot,” he replies stoically.
I hold up the seeds. “No—well, yes—but look.” I shake the bag.
Only after a while do his eyes finally widen. “Is that … the same pink flower?”
And when I nod, his eyes begin to shine with a kind of radiance I’ve only ever seen once before … when he first gave that flower back to me, and he saw in my eyes that I remembered him.
Beast
The moment I realize what she’s holding, I grab her and collect her in my arms, lifting her off her feet as I hug her tight.
“Can’t. Breathe,” she mumbles, and I quickly set her down again. She pushes the pot into my hand.
“But why? And how?” I ask, frowning. “You didn’t go back to your old house, did you? That place could still be dangerous.”
The stern look on my face makes her stammer. “No, no, I just knew which plant it was so I bought some at a local florist.”
“Good,” I say. “Because I don’t want you to go back by yourself.” I grab her hand. “If you do ever want to go back, tell me.”
She blinks a couple of times. “Why?”
“So I can come and protect you.”
Her smile brings so much light to this house.
“Thank you,” I say, clutching the pot tightly. “It means a lot.” I hold it out to her and add, “Will you do the honors?”
She nods and opens the tiny bag, plucking out a single seed, then pushing it into the dirt. “Water it every day, and after a while, a beautiful flower will grow.”
I put the pot on the kitchen counter.
“You don’t like it?” she asks.
I turn to cup her face and caress her cheeks. “Why do you always keep doubting?”
“Because … I’m always afraid you …”
“Will leave?” I fill in.
She blushes. “Won’t be happy.”
I tuck her hairs behind her ears and make sure she looks at me. “Aurora.” I fish the dried-up flower from my pocket. “I kept this … for years. Do you know why?” I pause so she understands I’m serious. “Because I told myself that one day I would find the one who gave this to me.”
Her eyes tear up along with a gorgeous smile forming on her face.
“You are mine. I do not let go of what’s mine.” And I bring her lips to mine and seal my promise with a kiss. “Ever.”