Page 58 of Carnal: The Beast Who Loved Me

“I don’t know.”

“Is there anything that could convince you to stay?”

Rosie searched his eyes. “I don’t know.”

“Okay.” He smiled. “Like that the answer isn’t no.”

She pulled a shawl from her dresser. “Okay.”

When she reached for the door, he closed it. “One more thing. The day Charming was hurt. I saw his leg broken. You fixed it, didn’t you?”

“I can neither confirm nor deny that.”

He laughed. “You think I can’t tell if you try to pad your feelings with words? I saw his leg.Beforeit was fixed.” She shrugged. “And that day with Catty Kay…” When his thoughtful expression took on a hopeful glimmer, she knew what was coming next. “So, my brother, Crave…”

She turned to face him because she wanted him to fully absorb the truth of her answer. “No, Carnal. I want to. So much it surprises even me, but something that big… I can’t.” He nodded and looked disappointed, but not disappointed in her. “I’m sorry.”

“No. Stop. I just had to ask.”

Feeling self-conscious, she looked toward the door. “I’m going to the bonfire.”

He pulled her back into him. “So am I. I’m right behind you,” he growled.

Sitting on the ground in front of the bonfire, leaning back into Carnal, his arms around her keeping her warm while she drank red ale, she thought that place might be as good as any place. Perhaps she could be persuaded to stay.

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