The Beast

33

RONAN

I've never been one to feel ashamed about my past, but Hazel has a way of bringing me close.

I shouldn't feel this way. When I was single, loneliness and frustration gnawed at me. Sleeping with women I barely knew was the only way to feel human. To feel like a man capable of building, not a monster that destroyed everything he touched.

But I have given up those women for Hazel. I turned my back on those faceless, forgettable women. Hazel is the only one that I allowed into my heart. The only woman I fucked without a condom separating us. The only womb I've flooded.

And now we're having such a petty argument. I nearly lost her when she was kidnapped. This is not how I want to celebrate getting her back in my arms.

I groan and set my forehead against the door that she just walked through. My legs are tense, eager to run after her. But I've learned Hazel doesn't like to feel cornered.

I'll simply have to let her cool down and make it up to her. This nursery battle is not one I'm interested in fighting. I've got more important things to do. More surfaces to fuck Hazel on.

If she were any other servant, I would have punished her for arguing and walking away from me, but she is my queen. She wrapped me around her little finger—hoodie and all—and she can re-arrange the estate upside-down if she fucking wants to.

Our bickering reminds me that we have many battles ahead—big and small. And I can't let my temperament drive her away.

It feels dangerous, letting a woman have power over me. But it's also exhilarating.

"Now..." I mutter, looking around the room. "How do I woo my queen?"

I've never been much of a romantic. I'm going to need help on this mission. A feminine touch. Perhaps her mother can help me, although I'm sure the woman will be frightened to hell if I sit across from her with a hoodie over my head.

I straighten my clothes and head out, looking for Hazel on my way down the hall. I skim a finger down the wallpaper, but don't find a single speck of dust. This estate is a magnificent, spotless beast. It's strange how I lost sight of that once Hazel entered my life. She stole my attention, distracting me from the wealth that surrounds me. She's the most priceless collection in this estate.

I search for Janice in her office and find her fixing her bun of straight, grey hair. She shoots up from her desk, surprised to see me here.

"My Lord, I was just about to search for you."

"Why is that?"

"I just received a telegram from Lord Walker."

I groan. What the fuck does Walker want now?

I accept the telegram, unwrapping the pale sheet of paper and quickly reading the few lines printed on it.

Need to talk in person.

Found the spy in my estate.

Need you to transfer one of your maids under my jurisdiction: Gwen.

What's his fucking obsession with this maid?

Although we've done a few servant swaps in the past, it was always male guards that haven't set their roots. We have never swapped a female, especially one with such low rank. Hazel's roommate should not perk his interest. She should not be on his radar.

"Fucking Walker," I grit as I crush the telegram and drop it in the garbage.

"Send a reply. Tell him to come see me as soon as he can. I cannot travel and leave Hazel alone."