Running from His Claim (Beauty and the Beast #2)

Chapter 55

I sat back digesting that revelation. "Wow."

"I took precautions to avoid a situation that would test my control - and you had to do the only thing able to break through that control." He pinned his eyes on me and said wryly, "The Kenbrookes came to town and you instantly fraternised with them." He turned towards me, cupping my cheek to gaze into my eyes. "I wish to clarify that I had no other intentions except to warn you from them on that Monday. But once alone with you... Your rage turned your cheeks scarlet and I lost control."

He tipped my face up and the desire in his eyes made me swallow hard. "And Thorne intervened again. I really must commend his unwavering attention to you. You continued to avoid me and the play occupied most of your time, time you spent almost exclusively with Thorne. By this time, of course, Christian and Randall had realised that my relationship was merely a sham and called me out on it. They  determined to care for you in the ways I couldn't until my situation was resolved - only to report that you and Thorne were together."

He pulled back and clasped his hands between his legs, laughing humorlessly. "That was my darkest time. I was dodging the Consulate; avoiding my family because I could not let them fathom the extend of my pain; adjusting to having an entire coven of vampires living on my land; taking care to not accidentally kill Caitlin; actively avoiding you in case I unwittingly led trackers to you; watching over the town because of a spike in adventuring vampires; and handling teenage boys who thought they could defy me." He squeezed his eyes shut. "And in addition, to hear that you were Thorne's girlfriend, and to watch more males in this town find the boldness to approach you..."

"Hey," I said softly, feeling guilty for adding to his already overflowing plate. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"There is no need to apologise." He smiled brightly at me. "Do you know what pulled me out of that darkness?"

I shook my head, intrigued at his sudden joy.

"You came to me. You were intoxicated and beautiful, and you sought me out. Not him." There was satisfaction in his voice he traced my face again. "You are exceptionally beautiful on any occasion, my love, but that night when you had seduction on your mind... You were breathtaking. I never could focus on your dress, only that it was short and covered essentially...nothing. And those heels -"

"Okay, okay," I interrupted, blushing furiously. "You've made your point. Let's move on."

He laughed softly. "I believe I should be nominated for sainthood after my remarkable display of control on that occasion."

"What control?" I laughed.

He shrugged. "True. You were in my arms all night."

I gasped, "What?" And in that dress!

He laughed softly and stood up. "Come. It is nearly lunchtime."

I pouted. "But the story's just getting good."

"I promise to tell all, love," he said huskily.

I nodded and let him take me back the way we'd come. Once we got to the meadow he led me to sit on the blanket and opened the basket, pulling out drinks, sandwiches and lots of fruits. My mouth watered at the spread. "You know how to take care of a girl."

He laughed. "You are pleased by such trivial things."

I flipped my hair back playfully. "I know, I'm the perfect girlfriend."

"That you are," he smiled indulgently.

I accepted the plate he'd served me. "So when did Chris and Randy notice? About you and Caitlin."