Page 153 of Rescued By the Beast
"What about your studies?" he murmurs into my mouth. "Didn't you have an assignment due tomorrow at college?"
"I'm done. I'm free!"
I feel his lips stretch against mine, his golden eyes shining.
"I'm so proud of you, sweetheart."
My chest warms.
"Thank you, love."
I exchange one last kiss before letting him go back to work.
When it's time to leave, my stomach churns. My nerves are on edge, and I fidget with my hands on my lap the entire car ride.
"Why are you nervous?" Mark asks, glancing briefly at me.
I take a deep breath.
"I think... I'm going to tell her."
"Do you feel ready?"
I exhale slowly and nod.
"I'm here for whatever you decide, Kitten. You know that."
My anxiety eases a little when he smiles at me, and I smile back.
***
The iron gate opens with a low creak, allowing the car to drive up the stone path to the mansion. The old, imposing house stands against the dark sky like a scene from a horror film.
But for Lucy, that place is home.
She is already waiting for us at the door with a smile on her face, Shadow appears behind her, pulling her into a possessive embrace.
Mark slips his hand through mine, intertwining our fingers before we cross the short distance to them. Lucy greets me with a tight hug, and I return it, feeling her familiarity and the warmth of friendship. Meanwhile, Shadow and Mark exchange nods, a minimal gesture, but one laden with recognition.
They're two peas in a pod.
Lucy and I exchange a glance and smile, complicit in our thoughts.
"Come in!" Lucy invites us. "The table is already set, and I've opened a bottle of wine for us."
We go inside, and Shadow takes on the task of serving the glasses. He hands me one, and I thank him before taking a long sip, enjoying the drink.
"Um..." Lucy suddenly fidgets, twirling her engagement ring on her finger. "Never mind, I think we'd better eat first. I'll talk to you later..."
I raise an eyebrow and put my hands on my hips.
"No way!" I say, exasperated. "You're not going to torture me for another second! Tell me now, is it good or bad?"
She exchanges a meaningful glance with Shadow, and the tension in the air grows. The two seem to communicate without words, and my anxiety only increases.
Mark notices and squeezes my hand, anchoring me.
"It's something good, I suppose," Shadow finally says, as if giving Lucy strength.
