Beast_A Filthy Sweet Fairy Tale Romance Read online

  But before I can drive the point home, the other men hanging back decide it's their turn to try their luck. Perhaps the whole group of them are mentally deficient. Snarling, I throw off the one that launches himself at my back, using him to bowl another one over. I catch another one's fist as he throws it at me and watch as his eyes widen.

  "Yes. This was a mistake," I confirm, "but perhaps a good learning experience."

  I crush his hand and shove him back as he screams. The others fight me for a few more moments, but they're no match for my beast's possessiveness, its raging desire to stake a claim on Isa. Gideon tries one more time, coming up from behind with an illegal baton. I snap a hand up to stop his swing and rip it out of his hands. He finally looks afraid as he moves back instead of following through with his attack. Good. He's learning.

  "Go!" I bark out to him.

  His eyes slide over to Isa. I move towards him threateningly and that's it. He turns and runs, his weak group taking their cue and following suit. I'm breathing hard as I watch, making sure they don't turn back around. The ensuing silence is almost harsh after the brief intensity of the violence. I slowly come back to myself, my beast winding down now that the threat is gone and the man comes back for what really matters.

  I turn to Isa, where she and her father are standing, and walk over. She’s back in her old clothing with smears of dirt on her face and hands, her hair falling out of her messy ponytail. Beautiful. She's perfect. Real. When I'm in front of her, I drop down to one knee, reaching into my pocket to pull out a ring box. I open it. When I saw the silver band with diamonds arranged in a delicate flower, I knew it was perfect for Isa.

  Her eyes widen. "Adir..." she whispers.

  I take her hand in mine. "Isa," I start, my heart beating even faster than when I faced her enemies. This is more important. This has the power to break me, fully and completely. "I love you," I say simply. "I want to marry you."

  Her eyes widen, her hand gripping mine tightly.

  Yes.

  Say yes.

  Everything inside me waits with bated breath, the chasm of refusal yawning to one side. And the light of possibility on the other. I watch her eyes as she searches my face, her surprise slowly softening.

  Please.

  "I...yes," she says, smiling tentatively.

  "Yes?" I repeat.

  She chuckles, the sound a little wet as tears gather in her eyes. "Yes. Yes, I love you. I want to marry you."

  Yes. I can't stop the smile that stretches from ear to ear. Yes. She said yes.

  I slide the ring onto her finger and stand, pulling her in against me, needing her close.

  She said yes.

  My beast's feral edge eases. The man, who I am apart from the beast, rises up. Strengthens. This is more than I ever expected. I didn't know what she would say. I almost don't know what to do with the complete acceptance, I was so on the edge, prepared for rejection. But even as I come to grips with the fact that I have what I want most, that Isa said yes, I remember I can't forget the other Stone.

  I turn to her father. His mouth is hanging open as he stares, completely stunned at the turn of events.

  "Mr. Stone, I would like to ask your permission to marry your daughter," I say solemnly. His refusal won't stop me, but I want Isa to be happy and she loves her father. "I'll forgive all the library's debts and protect it in the future if you agree to give your blessing to our union."

  I'll do that even he doesn't give his blessing but I'm not above using whatever perceived leverage I have. Not when it means Isa's happiness.

  He turns to Isa as she pulls back to look at him. "This is what you want?" he asks.

  She nods, looking up at me with love shining in her eyes. Love for me. My heart clenches.

  "Yes," she says. "This is what I want."

  He nods, a rueful smile crossing his face. Then he turns to me, holding out his hand. "Then I give my blessing. I don't know exactly how things twisted around to end up here but I want Isa to be happy. And if you promise to make her happy, keep her safe, I give my blessing."

  I nod, taking the proffered hand in mine. "I promise," I say seriously. "You will have no need to worry."

  He nods. "I'll be watching," he warns.

  "Father!" Isa gasps.

  "I understand." And I do.

  I want to take her home immediately. But I have one more obligation today. I turn back to Isa. "I need to attend a cotillion tonight. I would be honored if you would join me as my fiancee."

  Isa smiles, cupping the back of my neck and going on her tip toes. I lean down so she can kiss my cheek. "Yes." Then she frowns as she goes back down flat on her feet. "But I don't know if I have anything to wear for a cotillion."

  "I've already taken care of it," I reassure her.

  "You have, have you?" she says with an arched brow. "You were pretty confident of my answer then."

  "I was hopeful," I counter. "Maybe verging on delusional," I add. She chuckles, shaking her head. "In any case, I have a dress for you in the car. I think you'll like it."

  "I'm hoping it isn't short," she warns.

  I smile. "It isn't. I'll get it for you."

  As Isa goes inside to get ready, her father turns to me with narrowed eyes. "If you hurt her, I will come after you," he warns now that Isa is out of hearing. "I don't care if you're a Singarti."

  I nod. "Of course."

  He smiles slightly and slaps me on the back. "Just so we're clear."

  Then he wanders inside, ostensibly to get some work done. Alright. That went much better than expected.

  I go to the car, pulling out the dress I had made for Isa. In truth, I commissioned it as soon as she came to me. I wanted to take her with me even before I really knew her. Before I loved her. I carry it inside and find her bedroom, steam coming from the open bathroom door. I wait, trying not to dwell on the fact that she's naked just through that thin curtain. Naked and wet. When she comes out in just a towel, all I want to do is throw her down and take her but we don't have time. And I want to make a public claim at the cotillion.

  She stops when she sees me waiting. I take the dress out of the packaging.

  "Oh, Adir..." she says softly, taking in the shimmering champagne fabric, the full skirt, the off the shoulder cut of the bodice. "It's wonderful."

  I smile, pleased she likes it. "Let me help you put it on," I say.

  She drops the towel and I almost swallow my tongue, my blood rushing to one very interested place.

  "Let me get some underwear," she says, walking away with a knowing sway of her hips.

  I growl, but hold myself back. There's no time. I force myself to just watch the temptation of her. She pulls on panties without any fuss, though it's still the sexiest thing I've ever seen. Then she turns back to me and I help her step into the dress, smoothing it up her torso. Cupping her breasts and squeezing.

  "Just making sure it fits," I say a little hoarsely as I let go and zip her up.

  "Of course," she says with a smile and a look over her shoulder.

  I return her smile then step back and take her in. "Perfect," I breathe. She looks amazing. The shimmer of the dress brings out her eyes and the deep brown of her hair.

  "Thank you. But I need a little time for my hair and makeup."

  I nod, sitting down.

  "Are you going to watch?" she asks, going to her dresser.

  "Yes."

  And I do, fascinated by the delicate touch of cosmetics and the way she adjusts her hair just so. When she's finally satisfied, she slips in to matching shoes.

  "Ready?"

  "Yes," she says taking my arm with a smile. "Let's go."

  Her father walks us out to the car and then we're making the drive to Herne's cotillion, Isa's hand held in mine. Herne's holding it in the ballroom at one of his high-rises, the line of cars stretching down the block as people arrive. Invitations are coveted. Herne knows how to throw an event. When we reach the front, I help Isa out of the car, telling Nina to park until I
call for her. We take the elevator up to the correct floor.

  "Wow," Isa says as we walk into the ballroom, her eyes taking in the grand space.

  And it is grand. The ceilings are high, the chandeliers twinkling, the windows open up to a city view that rivals my own. The elite of society and their daughters are here, dressed in their finest. But None can hold a candle to Isa.

  "Adir!"

  I turn as Herne walks towards us, his eyes taking in Isa and lighting with appreciation. My beast stirs, but I keep it in check. Isa is mine. There’s no doubt about that.

  I greet him. "This is Isabelle Stone. My fiancee."

  The shock that washes over his faces is quite a sight. It's more than a little satisfying to surprise him so thoroughly. But he recovers quickly.

  "It is in an honor to meet you," Herne says, bowing over Isa's hand.

  She smiles. "It's nice to meet you too."

  We chat for a bit, but then I lead Isa over to the dance floor, wanting an excuse to hold her close.

  "I love you," I say, my eyes on hers as I lead us in the dance, her hand in mine, my arm around her waist.

  "I love you too," she says warmly, the sincere response filling me with emotion.

  I don't know if I'll ever grow tired of hearing it. We simply hold each other and dance. I have all I want. I have all I need in Isa. Everything else I've ever wanted pales in comparison and I have absolutely no desire to stay the whole night. We've made an appearance, I've staked my claim. Now I want her alone. Where I can stake my private claim.

  When I judge we've stayed long enough, I lead her outside.

  "I know there was supposed to be dessert," she giggles as we walk.

  "You will be dessert," I counter, sweeping her up into my arms so she doesn't have to walk in the delicate heels.

  Her eyes darken and she wraps her hands around my neck as I carry her to the car. "I'd like that," she whispers.

  I cannot wait to have her again. I don't know if I will ever be fully satiated. My hold on her tightens. We cannot get home fast enough. Even my inner beast fades at the utter wash of rightness, of contentment. I don't know how she could love me, but she does. She's all mine.

  Body, heart, and mind.

  Mine.

  I don't know if I deserve it, but I know I will do everything in my power to make her happy. And I also know I will love every moment of it. I lean down to rest my head against her silky hair, breathing in her scent. I've found home, found my true sanctuary, and it's better than I could have ever imagined.

  Chapter 17

  Isa

  Adir's hand is warm in mine as we make the drive back to his home. I don't know how this day started so terribly but is ending so magically. It almost doesn't seem real. I look over at his profile, taking in the familiar features. I frown a little. Are his fangs a little less prominent? I rub my thumb across the back of his hand and skin meets my fingertip. I glance down and notice the back of his hands are smooth. Wasn't there hair there before?

  "We have arrived home," the car announces, easing into a gentle stop.

  "Thank you, Nina," Adir says politely, helping me out of the car.

  The skirt of the dress is full, but it's light as air, made of some kind of fabric that almost defies gravity.The fact that it fits me so perfectly almost makes me want to blush. Adir must have paid a lot of attention to my body to have the measurements so exact. I hold on to his arm as we walk inside, the crushed, navy blue velvet of his dinner jacket soft under my palm. It fits him perfectly, showing off his broad shoulders and muscular build. I sigh as we walk into the lobby and he smiles at me questioningly.

  "I was just thinking how handsome you are," I say with a teasing smile.

  He grins back, his eyes warm as he leads me into the elevator. "I'm glad you think so. This is the face you're going to be looking at every morning for decades."

  "I'm looking forward to it," I murmur as we ride up.

  His eyes are soft as he wraps an arm around my waist.

  The doors open.

  "I want to show you something," he says as he leads me inside.

  "Alright."

  I follow him through the apartment and to the heavy wooden door that is so much the reason for our being together. He opens it and I go inside with him, curious about what he might want to show me. Maybe more of his writing? I'd love to see it. He walks over to a bookshelf and pulls out one book. And then another.

  "What are you doing?" I ask, tilting my head to the side.

  But my question in answered in the next moment. The bookshelf pushes back into the wall and then slides behind the one next to it revealing another elevator. I blink.

  "You have another secret door?"

  He smiles nervously. "This is the last one," he says, gesturing for me to go in. "Please."

  I pick up my skirt and step inside. He follows me in and puts his hand on a scanner. More security. Then we're riding up once again. I watch him, notice how restless he is. Almost like he's nervous. I reach out and take his hand in mine, squeezing it in reassurance. He smiles tentatively. I'm thinking of other ways to calm him when the doors open.

  I turn away to look, the anticipation building, and my breath is completely taken away.

  "Oh!" I exclaim softly, stepping out as I try to take in everything at once.

  We're on the rooftop, the stars shining through glass above and around us. Straight through to the flowers blooming everywhere I can see. The warm humidity of a greenhouse hits me as I walk forward, impatiently kicking off my shoes so I can walk more easily on the smooth, mosaic tiles. I breath in the delicate but heavy scent of so many flowers in one place. It smells divine. I walk through in silence, Adir a large shadow moving quietly behind me. Daffodils, tulips, orchids, mums, hydrangeas. Everywhere I look, there’s another rare flower, another beautifully vibrant color. Yellows, pale blues, splashes of reds, pure whites.

  I'm almost floating, completely in awe as I try to look at everything at once, not wanting to miss any detail. The path leads me in smaller and smaller circles until we come out into the middle of the garden. The intricate mosaic on the ground forms a single, perfect red rose. The entire garden surrounds and highlights a single stone pedestal set in the center. I slow as I walk towards it, my eyes glued to the bush growing inside the sturdy structure, light shining down on it from a lamp hung for that very purpose.

  Tears well up in my eyes as I touch the petals of one of the deep red roses. It’s soft and velvety against my fingertips. The bush is covered in blooms, the flowers in perfect health, vibrant and fragrant.

  "They're magnificent," I say quietly, in awe of their beauty.

  Adir's arms wrap around me from behind.

  "I've always loved plants, flowers, growing green things," he murmurs in my ears. "I've always thought they were the height of beauty." He kisses my ear, nibbling on it softly. "That was before I met you," he whispers.

  I sigh, turning around to meet his eyes. I don't know how this moment could be more romantic, more perfect.

  "This place is...I've never seen anything like it." I cup his face. "Thank you for showing it to me."

  "Now that I know what you like, be prepared for books and flowers if you are ever angry," he teases, kissing the corner of my mouth.

  "Sounds wonderful. I'll be sure to be angry often."

  "Hmm." He kisses my lips, my jaw, the side of my neck.

  My eyes flutter shut as he picks me up and carries me over to a large, cushioned bench hidden among the lush flowers. Lying me down on it, he comes down on top of me, his mouth pressing down on mine. The kiss goes on forever, deep and languid, the heavy air and fragrance of the flowers surrounding us. I’m almost drunk on him, on the moment. Pulling back, he unzips my dress and tugs it down to reveal my bra-cupped breasts. He peels my bra down impatiently and groans, immediately leaning down to kiss and lick at me, his large hands sliding up my bare legs.

  I slide my fingers into his hair, enjoying the nibbles, the licks, his hot br
eath against me. I tug at his jacket and he shoves it off impatiently, his mouth still on me. But I want skin. I push him back and he looks at me questioningly, his lips swollen, cheeks flushed. I reach down to unbutton his shirt, loosen his tie. He watches me as I slowly open up his shirt, smoothing my hands down the hot skin I've revealed. Meeting his eyes, I reach down and open up his trousers, pulling his hard, thick erection out from the uncomfortable confines. Then I lean back to take in the picture he makes. Bared chest, heavy erection resting against his stomach. Surrounded by flowers. His dark eyes watch me. Like a fantasy come to life.

  I trail my fingers up his length, using my forefinger to trace a circle around the head. He hisses out a breath, his eyes going to half mast as he watches. He lets me touch him like that, lightly and delicately, his length throbbing under my hand until his jaw is clenched, sweat sliding down his temple.

  "Enough," he growls, stilling my hand. "Take off the dress."

  I shiver at the roughness in his voice, the desire in his eyes. But even as his lust rides him, there’s softness in his face. Caring and loving. I stand, pushing the skirt down and sliding it off my hips. Then I push my panties, the last remaining scrap of cloth covering me, down and off.

  His eyes leave mine to trace down my now naked body, his breathing harsh in the quiet. His hand goes to his cock, squeezing it as he looks.

  "You are— I have no words," he says softly, looking up to meet my eyes once again. "Come here."

  I step out of the clothes and walk towards him, my legs a little shaky. He guides me to straddle him, my hands coming down on his shoulders to brace myself.

  "Are you ready?" he asks, his hand already reaching between my legs, moaning as he finds me hot and wet. Beyond ready.

  I rub my face against the side of his as he aims his cock and notches it against me. Yes. I want him inside me. His hands squeeze my hips as I push down slowly, my body sinking down to take his length a bit at a time. He's so long, so thick, I have to take my time. Have to give my body time to adjust. But it's so worth it. I lean back to watch his face as I slowly come down that last inch, until I'm sitting on him, his erection fully buried inside me.