Another Fairytale - Sacrificed to the Beast ✓ (completed)

Chapter 18

After Owen left, Bella came back with a notebook. She threw it down on the counter.

"I have a few questions," she said bluntly.

I waved my hand in a 'go ahead' gesture while scooping out a slice of lasagna.

"Will you ever hurt me?"

I choked on the bite I had just took. I beat on my chest forcing the food out of my throat. I spit the offending peice into the waste bin.

I took a small bite of the lasagna and put it in my mouth. I moved it around my mouth with my tongue, chewing slowly as I pondered her question. I felt her eyes drilling into me as she waited for an answer.

I swallowed the bite and put my fork down with a sigh. "I want to say no, but I can't say that and be truthful."

She stared at me harder. "How long am I going to be forced to live here?"

I shrugged. She stayed silent, obviously waiting for a verbal reply which I wouldn't give.

She rolled her eyes and brushed back her hair. Before she could insult me or ask another question a song rang through the kitchen.

Owen popped around the corner with a smile on his face. "Miss Bella! My mother and I used to dance to this song when I was young. Dance with me!" Without giving her a chance to reply, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace.

I watched them spin gracefully around the room, not fully trusting that this was all Owen was up to.

They spun ever closer and I narrowed my eyes at Owen, silently warning him not to do anything. He smiled devilishly at me over Bella's shoulder.

As soon as he was close enough he pushed her down onto my lap and squeaked out something about 'having to pee' and 'continue without him'.

I scowled at his retreating figure but scooped Bella into my arms as he instructed. We rocked back and forth, twirling less gracefully than Owen and her had.

She frowned at my chest, refusing to meet my eyes.

I hunched my back trying to catch her eyes. The green gems were watering, nearly over flowing with unshed tears. I pulled her into my arms. She stiffened but then relaxed and rubbed her face against my chest. I felt the fabric dampen slightly with her tears.

Rocking her back and fourth, I whispered sweet nothings into her ear. When she calmed again, I pulled her back to look her in the eyes.

"What's wrong, my sweet Belle?"

She smiled wobbly up at me. "Things aren't going like I thought they would. I should hate you but I don't. You keep saying you might hurt me but deep inside, I know you won't. I'm scared, but not of you. I'm scared of breaking my promise to Aaron. I can't do that to him."

Anger stirred in the pit of my stomach but I pushed it back.

"What are you saying? Do you love me?"

She shook her head. "No, but I trust you."

I smiled down at her. "That's what love is."

She scrunched her eyebrows up. "Then I guess I love you."

A/N: Before you start hating me, wait for the next chapter! We have almost reached the end 1 more chapter and an epilogue!