Rose and thorns intertwined (sample) by Dawn Willow (best e ink reader for manga TXT) 📖

the end of the staircase, but now I have no choice but to walk to him. His stance is infuriatingly patient, I regret attending dinner with him. I continue my advance, coming to a stop a few feet off from him.  Please don't step any closer. I plead silently, I know he can see it in my eyes, but he closes the distance between us regardless. He again reaches out for my hand, only this time it's shaking. He stops, and upon reading my expression, and the discomfort there, he slides his hand from mine, stepping away and putting distance between us again. The gratitude in my eyes does not go unnoticed, he nods his head and walks with me to the set table in the next room.

 Upon reaching the dining room, one can clearly see the table is set with a wide variety of food. He's arranged a feast, but there's only two of us... The table is long and narrow, the medieval style where the lady and host, and master of the house and host,  sit at the opposite ends of the table. I am glad, both to know this without instruction, and the convenience of the placement. This means I do not need to sit beside him. I walk toward the seat, but he leaps in front of me. Oh so he'll be in charge of when I sit?, but I'm wrong, he pulls out the chair for me like a gentlemen for a lady, and as I seat myself he pushes it into place. He does not leave however,  he stands beside me, arm resting on the back of the chair, I try to dismiss how near he is to me, but I cannot, as much as I can't move away without him noticing and risking offending him. "I have already eaten dinner my dear Rose, but do you mind if I stay while you eat yours?" He asks me. Then why is there such much food out?! " No Beast, I do not mind if you sit with me." I reply. This is your home after all." I add. He looks hurt. "This is your home now, you may do what you wish, as long as you do not leave." I know there is something more bothering him, for he does not leave my side, but stay with his hand barely touching my shoulder.

" Am I to be called Beast?" He asks finally,  "I cannot think of why you would call me that in particular" he finishes sounding pained. "I'm sorry, but I don't believe you gave me your name..." I reply. He thinks on this. "You may call me beast for now, it is as you perceive me after all." "all right." I say, but really I'm trying to think of some way to identify him when I do escape and bring the police in for an investigation. To be honest, I don't even know why I chose to refer to him as that in particular, but I know it fits, and that he is inded cruel. I think he waits for my name, but I do not offer it.  He nods in acknowledgement, and then sits down at the head of the table and there he sits, watching me closely.

I finish my meal, eating but little of it, all too aware of Beast's watching eyes. He rises from his chair, leaving me to follow in suit. " I am sorry about your friend, "He tells the floor, seemingly ashamed of himself, so much so that the intensity in his eyes when he speaks next surprises me. " - and for what you've left behind." his apology genuine if his eyes and tone are to be believed. I start thinking about earlier. "My friend, Adriana," I stall. "Yes " he prompts reluctantly, both of us knowing where I'm headed with my question. " She was afraid of you." I venture. "Of course she was I was yelling at her" he replies shortly. I know that he too is stalling the inevitable, it seems like all we can do is beat around the bush if the other doesn't ask directly, doesn't risk setting off the other.

                             

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Publication Date: 05-31-2014

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