The Beast

Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve
The Ticklish Spot

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HANNAH

   Perched against the door frame, I glared at the contents of the closet—which has gotten fuller since I arrived. I wasn't entirely sure what Lev's been up to since dropping me in this room, but one things for sure; he was shopping. For me. And he's getting the right sizes.

   The price tags still hung off each article of clothing. When I skimmed my fingers across one dress and read the price, I ripped my hand off the material. Most of the dresses cost more than what I make in a month.

   I'd been so distracted that when someone knocked on the door, I couldn't find my voice to answer. In the distance, I vaguely heard the door unlocking.

   It cracked open. "Hannah?"

   I recognized Rosalina's enthusiastic voice and exhaled shakily. "Come in."

   With one last look toward the closet, I faced Rosalina. "Did you know your brother bought all these clothes?" I jerked my thumb over my shoulder. "Is he insane?"

   She smiled cheekily. "Yes. We all are, actually."

   Her words might have been intended as a joke, but something about how her green eyes gleamed slyly had my feet rocking back.

   I assessed her. Rosalina wore her hair in a slick high ponytail. She also dressed in a long sundress that ended by her knees, despite it being in the middle of winter.

   But honestly, if I looked that good in a dress, I'd wear them every day, no matter the weather.

   Rosalina must have read the discomfort coming off me because she lost that wicked glint in her eyes. "I'm sorry if I'm coming off too strong. I have a very... aggressive personality? I don't know the right word for it, but just know I'm not doing anything intentionally. I don't know what I'm saying until long after."

   "It's okay," I said, smiling for good measure. "I understand. My best friend always says what's on his mind, sometimes for the better or worse."

   Her smile was sincere. "My mom will love you. She always says that if I wasn't her twin, I could've been my aunt's daughter. Mom's the shy and quite type." She waved her hand. "Anyway, I'm not here to talk about my mom. I'm here to talk about operation getting you out of this room."

   "Operation getting me out of this room?" Couldn't the operation be getting me out of this house? "Lev gave me that option, but I think he wants me to be with him. And I don't want to give him what he wants."

   "Rejecting my brother?" She sighed with adoration before bringing a hand against her heart. "I love you."

   She said the words like she meant it, and some of my anxiety weakened. The more time I spent with Rosalina, the more desperate I was to find out the truth between her and Lev.

   "But yes, we're getting you out of here," she continued, her smile growing more mischievous. "Without Lev's permission. You know, you're the talk of the household, Han. Can I call you Han?" She waited for my small nod. "Great! Anyway, I told some people about Lev's reaction, and if I'm going to be honest with you, I want to see it again."

   "You want to... get Lev mad again?"

   "Yes! See, you're getting it!" Rosalina hopped with excitement at the possibility. "So, I'm here, begging you, Han. Let me use you."

   At least she was being honest?

   She must have taken my silence as a no because her eyes pleaded with mine. "Please. I will go on my knees. You don't understand... Seeing Lev like that yesterday, I wanted to cry. I thought Mic—I thought there was no fixing him, but you," her eyes watered, but she rapidly blinked it away, "That was the first time I saw him act irrationally. Please. If you're worried that he'll hurt you, I promise to keep you safe, but I don't think he'll do anything to you, if that means anything."