Page 5 of Beauty and Her Beasts (Dirty Paranormal Fairytale Haremlan 1)

They nodded in farewell, and I turned around and headed out of the tavern with the big guy in tow. Once we were out on the sidewalk, I said, “You don’t need to escort me home. I’ll find my way. Besides, you’ve done enough for me.”

“I would sleep better knowing you got there safe,” he said. “Name’s Gunnar, by the way.”

“Allana Peirce,” I said and held my hand out to him.

He smirked and took my hand, turning it over before bringing my knuckles to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss and released my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, despite the circumstances.”

I smiled, genuinely flattered. “Likewise.”

“What’s the deal with that guy, anyway?” Gunnar asked.

“You mean the guy who hit me?” I asked.

He nodded once.

I shrugged. “He’s accustomed to getting his way. He also likes to have his women obedient.”

Gunnar snorted. “Has he met you? I’ve known you all of five minutes and I already know you’re not the type to listen to what any man commands of you.”

I chuckled. “Very observant.”

After several moments of silence, I said, “I haven’t seen you around here before. What brings you toFleuve Ville?”

“A couple of things,” Gunnar said. “One, I needed produce that my normal market is out of. Second, I’m posting advertisements for a job position at the hotel I work for.”

My curiosities were piqued. “What sort of job?”

“Know of any good managers?” he asked.

“Me,” I said, trying not to sound desperate. “I just got my degree in business too. I can do a lot of things.”

“You don’t say?” Gunnar said, sounding intrigued himself.

“What hotel do you work for?” I asked.

“Chateau Bois.”

“I haven’t heard of it before. Where is that?” I asked.

“It’s located in the heart of theDusangForest,” he said.

“Business must be slow for a location like that,” I said.

The name translates into “blood wood”and got the name thanks to the bandits that call the forest home. There are also silly superstitions surrounding the woods, but I never put much stock into them.

“You’d be surprised,” he said.

I turned my gaze toward him. He was gorgeous as hell. My word, he had to have broken the mold when he came out. I bit my lip just to stave back the stir of arousal that settled between my thighs.

“I could take the job,” I said. “If you’re not opposed to a woman handling your company’s inner workings.”

He smirked. “I would love it if you took the job. Woman or not.”

“Then it’s settled.” I stopped walking and turned to face him. “When do I start?”

“Immediately.”

Excitement bubbled through me, but I did my best to hold my composure. My father was right. My perfect opportunity fell right into my lap. And I couldn’t wait to get started.

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