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

Chapter 62

The rest of the meal was great and afterwards Warren took me on a walk towards the water.

We strolled leisurely, enjoying the beautiful night. Warren had both hands in his pockets and I had my arms looped through his, walking close to his side.

"What are we celebrating?" I suddenly asked when we were standing on a bridge gazing out at the water.

He turned to me, his arms circling my waist. "You are here with me, in my arms," he said huskily. "That is all the reason I need to celebrate."

I blushed and leaned up for a kiss. He touched his lips to mine quickly then kissed my forehead. We enjoyed the night air and the calm ocean for a little longer before we headed back.

When we got back I sighed and placed my clutch on a couch. Warren turned me round and pushed his hands into my hair. He carefully shook out all the pins holding it in place. I laughed as they showered to the floor while he combed his hands through my hair. "The teasing is at an end," he murmured, then pulled me into his arms. "Tired?"

"Exhausted," I agreed with a pout. "This is all your fault."

He smirked with a raised brow. "Is it now?"

I nodded and leaned in for a tiny kiss, whispering, "Thank you for tonight."

He leaned away, placed a quick kiss on my cheek and headed to the kitchen area. He'd already discarded the jacket and tie and his sleeves were rolled back.  "Would you like some dessert?"

I followed slowly, trying to hide how much his snub hurt. I'd thought he was done holding back. I squared my shoulders and decided to take aunt Lily's advice.

Warren had his back to me and looked like he was putting together something intricate that involved ice cream.

"What's going on with you?" I asked.

He threw a smirk over his shoulder. "Pardon?"

"Why won't you kiss me?"

He turned smoothly, the smile in place as he placed two glasses on the counter. "I doubt I understand the question."

"Stop it," I ordered. I wasn't going to let him downplay this. "You've been pulling back from me and you know it. Tell me why."

His smiled wavered and he leaned against the counter. "Your ice cream is melting," he finally said.

I glanced at it them turned to him, my jaw clenching. "Really? You're just going to ignore me?"

"I would respond if I understood what we are discussing," he smiled wryly.

I tilted my head and stared at him. A tense silence followed as neither of us backed down. Finally, I asked softly, "When will I get my boyfriend back?"

His eye dropped to the counter and his mouth tightened. I spun on my heel angrily but his words stopped me cold.

"I'm waiting," he whispered so low I almost didn't hear him.

I turned back to find him gripping the counter tightly, his head bowed in defeat. "For what?"

He was silent again, then he slowly raised suddenly desperate eyes to me. "For you to finally realise that my actions were unforgivable. For you to determine my punishment."

I stepped closer, my heart twisting at his sincerity. "You want me to punish you?"

He straightened. "Yes, anything will suffice as long as you allow me to return to you after the ordeal."

He meant it. He meant every single word...

I gripped the counter opposite him and looked into his eyes, facing their hard determined glint with softness and tenderness. I longed to close the distance between us and slip my arms around him, grip his hair, but I knew what he needed now was words. "What if I don't want to punish you?"