Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 63709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
There’s a pause. I hold my breath, praying he won’t question me any further. Then, “If you say so.”
He’s clearly not convinced but to my utter relief, he drops the topic—for now, at least.
“Thank you,” I say aloud, snuggling closer to him. “For looking after me. For purring. It’s very sweet.”
“You were in distress,” he says simply. “As I said before, I can’t tolerate your pain.”
“Pain is a part of life,” I mutter but as I say that, it occurs to me that I’ve been spouting
these lines for god knows how long—trite, short, simple phrases that fill self-help books and motivation materials—but I’ve never really thought about them.
“Yes, my little moonflower, but so is happiness. And I want to see you have so much more happiness than pain.”
“I feel the same way about you. That’s why I keep nagging you, you know. Telling you to step up and start ruling your kingdom the way you were meant to.” The words are bubbling out of me, a welcome distraction from the nightmare. “I don’t say it to make you feel guilty or ashamed.”
“I know,” he tells me. “My happiness has increased a thousandfold since you entered this castle. And I want to spend every moment with you. I’d have so much less time if I were an active ruler.”
“Maybe, but you’d have a lot more confidence and belief in yourself. And I’m sure you could manage. The other kings with mates make it work somehow, right?”
“I assume so.” Rolling onto his back, he pulls me with him until my head is resting right on his huge, bare chest. His fingers toy with my hair and he yawns. “Will you stay calm if I stop purring? I’m suddenly so very, very tired.”
“Sure,” I say. “If you want to go back to sleep, you don’t need my permission.”
“No, little one, but I want to make sure you’re not still in distress. I could stay awake for you. I would stay awake for you.”
“I don’t doubt it. But honestly, I’m fine. You get some more sleep. I’ll be right here—might doze off again myself.”
His only reply is a soft half-snore. I force myself to relax against him and close my eyes but on the inside, I’m wide awake.
So, I got jilted at the altar. The man I loved enough to want to marry and spend the rest of my life with decided he’d be better off without me. I wonder what his reasons were.
Whether there even was a reason. Another woman? Secretly gay? Or did he just decide that he wasn’t ready? If he ever told me, I can’t remember.
God, the look on my agent’s face. The worst part was, most of my so-called friends were actually Russell’s. They chose him over me.
Why would my stupid, mean brain choose this memory to give me back—out of all the available options? All the happy moments, funny moments, touching moments I must have had over the years, things I would no doubt be delighted to relive—and yet this is the one that surges to the top of the list. It’s so fucking unfair.
When I was younger, I adored tales of love, romance, and happily-ever-afters. I just assumed that I got more practical as I grew up, as many people do.
It turns out, that’s not true. My constant inner resistance is due to fear, not cynicism. And really, is it any wonder, after what Russell did?
On a vague level, I already knew that guys had hurt me before. Dating is a tough game, and you can’t always be a winner. But being rejected at the altar is a whole new level of anguish. Enough to put anyone off the idea of falling in love and risking that again.
I glance up at Bestian’s strong jaw and breathe in his scent. We can be so good together, yet I’m not the only one holding something back. My body’s sore from the rut. Between the knot and my constant orgasms, I’m wrung out. But instead of satisfaction, I’m aching. There’s a snarl of distress in my heart that has nothing to do with the nightmare I just had.
I rub my cheek against his chest, wishing I could climb inside him. I don't know what I need, but I know it’s something only he can give.
Just listen to yourself, my inner cynic whispers. What could you possibly need that only he could give? What more could you even want? You’ve agreed to be his queen, he gives you the best sex of your life, and he’s utterly devoted to you.
All good points, I guess. I close my eyes, my thoughts a whirling jumble. Last night really was magical in so many ways. The night sky, the moonflowers, my dress, the look on Bestian’s face when he greeted me at the steps. How could I not believe in fairytales?