Page 30 of Beast

Fair enough. Although I am intrigued as to whatacomplicated pastmeans.

“And he’s never been with a single woman since you’ve been here?”

I don’t know why I’m interested. But here I am, asking away like I haven’t been taken against my will.

She shakes her head. “No.”

I can’t hide my surprise. Surely, a virile man like him would have needs. “I mean how long can that last?”

“I visited him last night,” she says. “I offered to take care of him.”

I pause mid chew. “You did?”

“I adore Beast and so I always make myself available to assist with certain needs.” She shrugs. “If I can help make him feel better, then I will.”

“You like him.”

“Not like that. Beast isn’t for me in that way. But he’s a friend.”

“But not a friend with benefits?” I don’t know why I want her to confirm it again.

“No. He doesn’t want that from me.” She doesn’t say it with any remorse or disappointment. Just fact.

And it makes me wonder.

“Is there someone else youareinterested in?” I ask her, returning my attention to the waffles.

“No one special. I like the freedom of being a club girl and not an old lady.”

“Old lady?”

“A wife.”

“You’re not interested in marriage then?”

Her eyes widen. “Oh God no.”

Same, girl. Same.

Mya leans in. “Beast trusts me. That’s why I’m helping him with you. I’m the only one who knows this marriage isn’t real. If anyone else catches on, then Beast’s position as president could be challenged.”

The sudden realization that this isn’t some prank and I might actually have to marry Beast overwhelms me, and I put down my fork. “I don’t want to marry him.”

“But you have to.”

I look at the sweet girl with the short blonde pixie cut and dimples and have to remind myself that we’re not friends. That she’s helping my kidnapper keep me prisoner.

“So it would be pointless asking you to help me escape,” I say.

“You know I can’t do that.”

“No, I don’t suppose you could.” I push my plate away suddenly feeling nauseated.

This is really happening.

The giant is going to force me to marry him.

And then what?

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