Beauty and Her Beastly Love (Passion-Filled Fairy Tales Book 2) (7 page)

Beauty had lived with the Beast for two months now. They spent a great deal of their time having sex. Beauty was thrilled to explore this side of herself. She liked being with Beast, especially the physical pleasure he offered her, over and over and over again. But, also his company during the day and evenings. He was charming, well-read, and often humorous.

He enjoyed walking the grounds with her and tending to the gardens. They’d often just sit and read to each other. If she’d known then what she knew now, she would not have dreaded coming to live here with Beast at all.

In fact, they were living like a husband and wife. This is partly what bothered her. They had not, in fact, been married. Yet, she was like his wife. Only, Beast insisted that being his wife meant something more than this. It meant her making a choice. But did it? He kept insisting she had a choice, when there really wasn’t one. She had to be here with him. That was their bargain, their agreement. Saying she would be his wife would not change things in the least.

They had just had sex, and Beast lay entwined with her, his furry legs tangled with her own. She looked at his monstrously large legs and sighed.

“What’s wrong, Beauty?” Beast asked, stroking her arm. “You’ve been a bit distant lately.”

She wasn’t sure what to say. That she missed her father. What did it matter? She couldn’t leave. That was her promise. But…but what if he changed his mind? Surely he had to understand how difficult it was to leave family behind. He had to have had a family once.

“I’ve just been thinking,” she said. “About you. Wondering what you did with yourself before I came.”

Beast looked away, then spoke softly. “I was very lonely before you came.”

“Did your family ever come to visit you here?”

“No,” he said quickly.

Beauty could tell he didn’t want to talk about his family, so maybe this was a bad strategy. If he didn’t miss his own family, how could he ever understand her longing to see hers? She smiled at him, leaned toward him and kissed his lips. He seemed to relax a little with that, so she decided to try a different approach. “It’s just that you said it was my choice if I wanted to be your wife. Since it is my choice, and my father isn’t here to look after my interests, I thought I should find out more about the family I would be marrying into. It might be nice to know whether you all hate each other and never speak, or if you love each other but live too far to be with each other.”

He was silent a minute, and Beauty wasn’t sure what to think. Then, he said, “You’re considering becoming my wife?”

Beauty nodded, though she wasn’t sure that was true. She wasn’t sure what his distinction meant, since they were bound together — just as if they were husband and wife — so long as he held her to her promise to stay with him forever.

“I don’t like to talk about the time before I lived here because I was different. Everything was different, and part of me wishes it to be like that again, but I know it can’t be,” he said. Beauty had no idea what he meant, but she nodded reassuringly so he would continue. “I used to have a mother, a father, an older brother and a baby sister. When I was 10, my mother died while giving birth to my sister, Odette. My father was a merchant who was away a lot, so my older brother Jacques taught me all he knew about life and women. Only all the stuff Jacques taught me was wrong. I love them all very much, especially little Odette. But I don’t see them anymore, because I am here. They do not come visit me because they do not know what has become of me. If we were married, if you loved me truly, it is possible we could go visit them. I think they would like you.”

Beauty threaded her tiny fingers through Beasts massive ones, to hold his hand. “Do you miss them?”

His hand squeezed hers tighter. “I don’t let myself miss them because that would make me sad. You shouldn’t let yourself miss your father either. It’s better to just enjoy what the two of us have, right here, right now.”

It was not what she wanted to hear. It was, in fact, the exact opposite of what she had been hoping to hear. Beauty lay her head on Beast’s chest and tried not to sulk. If she told him she missed her father, he would not care. He would simply tell her to stop it. He truly was a beast, just like his name suggested. And then it hit her, that Beast couldn’t be his name. His siblings were named Jacques and Odette.

“What is your name?” she asked.

Beast tensed, and Beauty sat up. “Beast is my name,” he said.

She shook her head. “It can’t be. A mother who names her children Jacques and Odette would never name a child Beast.”

Beast pursed his lips and dragged his fingers through the mane of black fur on his head. “I guess if you are going to make a decision about being my wife, I should tell you the entire truth,” he said grimly. “Or as much of it as I can tell you.”

Beast sat up, too. Beauty pulled the blanket up to cover herself more, not wanting him distracted by her nakedness. Beast took a deep breath and began. “I didn’t always look like this, Beauty,” he said. “I used to look like a normal man. I lived with my father, brother and sister. As I said, my father was away often. He traveled to buy goods and make deals. So, that left Jacques and me to our own devices. The nanny, Genevieve, tried to rein us in, but we didn’t listen. Genevieve mainly cared for Odette, and sometimes bedded Jacques.”

Beauty’s mouth opened in mock shock.

Beast grinned. “Don’t look so surprised. We were wealthy, and she was poor. She wanted more, hoped for more. There were many girls like that in the village where we lived. Jacques taught me how to trade on a girl’s desire for more. He taught me how to imply more but promise nothing, so they would be willing to have sex with me. I was not nice, Beauty.”

Beauty sat still beside him, simply listening.

“And then one day, I found a woman who I wanted, who was the crown jewel of attractiveness,” he said, getting a far off look in his eyes. He glanced down at Beauty, caught sight of a nipple sticking out from the blanket, and smiled. “Though, in retrospect, she paled in comparison to your Beauty.”

Beauty laughed. “You don’t have to say that. I understand there were others.” Somehow Beauty had known he’d been with other women. That Ferus Lucunditas had not taught him all his skills. That there were others. And hearing about it now made sense.

“I’m not just saying it,” Beast said. “It’s true. She doesn’t compare to you, but, at the time, I was smitten with her, and I wanted her. One evening, I tried to have my way with her; she didn’t want to and I …”

His voice trailed off, and Beauty asked, “You took her by force?”

Beast shook his head. “I would have. But, it turns out she was friends with a sorceress. The girl, Isabelle, said words I didn’t understand, and then the sorceress appeared. I couldn’t see the sorceress’ face; it was hidden by a hooded cloak. But, I could see her glowing red eyes beneath. She cursed me, saying I would look as beastly on the outside as I was on the inside. Then she sent me here, saying I must live in this enchanted manor. I am too frightening to be among the public, to be with my family. So, I stay here. It’s also safe here,” he said softly.

Beauty’s eyebrows squished together in confusion. “How could you not be safe?” she asked, staring at his muscular body. His sheer size, coupled with his ferocious claws and fangs, would make him a match for anyone.

“The sorceress knew who I was, that my name carried weight, that even as this hideous creature, some might still try to help me and get in my good favor. So, I was told that I could not be called by my name anymore. I must be known only as Beast. If anyone calls me by the name I was born with, then I shall die.”

Beauty’s mouth popped open in shock. “Someone saying your name will kill you?”

Beast shook his head. “Not saying it. I’m sure my father or brother have said it since I left, but actually looking at me, this horrific creature that I have become, and calling me by that other name. That will kill me.”

Beauty leaned on him, resting her head on his chest. It was a horrific fate — to be afraid of seeing someone you know because that person calling you by your name would lead to your death. No wonder he had no problem staying away from his family. If he told them who he was, he would end up dead. He had been effectively banished, even though that wasn’t the sorceress’ exact punishment. She understood now why he was so lonely.

Beauty kissed his furry chest. “I’m glad you’re not alone anymore, Beast.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad, too, Beauty. And,” he said, his voice sounding slightly choked up. “I sometimes wish you could call me by my name. I imagine how lovely it would sound rolling off your tongue, but I’m glad that you know me at all, by any name. Even if it is Beast.”

Another two months passed and Beauty had tried to be happy with Beast. She understood that she was the only person whom he could be with, whom he could talk to. She tried not to resent being here. But it was becoming increasingly harder. She missed her father.

She missed her home. She missed the visits from Giselle and the occasional journeys to town to peruse the shops, even if she hadn’t bought anything. It had been nice to sometimes see the hustle and bustle.

Beauty was sitting in the garden, looking at the flowers. She thought it amazing that flowers of pure gold could grow here. The fact that they were pure gold was actually only half the marvel. The fact that they remained in bloom always, even through the cold winter months that had just passed, was the other half. Yes, these roses were amazing, Beauty told herself. She was trying to remain caught up in the wonder of the house so that she could forget the sorrows worrying her own heart. Only, it didn’t seem to be working.

Beast strolled up beside her, probably having come from cutting firewood. He seemed to like the physicality of the activity, as she supposed the house could have provided as much firewood as was necessary, if only he had asked.

Though, maybe that’s why she enjoyed cooking a pastry in the kitchen sometimes. There were times when the fun was in doing the activity, not the end result.

Beast put a hand on Beauty’s shoulder, and she turned and smiled at him. “Cut enough wood?” she asked.

He nodded, then stared at her with a touch of melancholy in his expression. It made her uncomfortable, so she turned to look at the flowers again. “Beauty,” he said, so she turned back to him. “Are you happy here?”

She breathed out. If only she knew. Part of her was, but part of her felt like some of her life was missing. Left behind with her trunk, and everything else she was forced to abandon on her hurried departure with Beast. She forced a smile and said, “Yes, I’m happy.”

Beast stared at her, as if he wasn’t quite sure he believed her. His fur-covered hand reached out and grabbed hers, held it. She enjoyed the sensation. It was never something she would have imagined she’d enjoy, but the softness of his fur, the gentleness of his hand, made her feel warm and happy.

“Beauty,” he said. “I know when you arrived here, I said marriage would be your choice. It is your choice, I mean. I just want to know if you would consent to be my wife.”

Beauty tried not to look as shocked as she felt. Yes, she knew what he had told her when she arrived, but she hadn’t expected him to ask. Not now. Especially not now when she felt so homesick. She shook her head. “I can’t,” she said simply, pulling her hand from his and walking away. She went inside and upstairs to her room.

A few minutes later, Beast knocked on her door. She bade him come in and he sat next to Beauty on a chaise longue near the window. “Is there something I can do to change your mind, to help you reconsider? I mean, you said you’re happy here.”

Beauty stared into his brown eyes, his furry, bestial face, remembering once how his fangs and size had frightened her. Only, now she enjoyed seeing his face, enjoyed his company, enjoyed his sexual prowess. “I am happy,” she said. “As happy as I can be here, Beast. You’ve been nothing but kind to me and generous in spirit. And even in telling me I have a choice, there is a certain kindness in that. But, you…” Beauty stopped herself. She couldn’t say she felt trapped by him. It would hurt his feelings.

She stood up. “You and I will continue the way we’ve been.” She smiled at him and tried to turn the tables. “Aren’t you happy with how we are, how we live?”

He stood up, too. “I may be a beast on the outside, but I have the heart of a man, a heart that yearns for the love of his woman, of her promise to love him and only him forever. So, I am happy to be with you now, but I do desire more.”

He’d laid his heart bare for her to see, and for that she was glad, but she could not give him what he wanted in return. “I’m sorry. I can’t say yes to you, Beast.”

Beast kissed the top of her head. “Very well,” he said, then walked out.

Beauty and Beast spent the next two weeks living a somewhat strained existence. They still were intimate, but it was clear that Beauty’s refusal of Beast’s marriage proposal had hurt him.

On this day, Beauty was in the library, looking for something good to read. She saw the line of Ferus Lucunditas books on the shelf. This time, she noticed something about the books she hadn’t noticed before. These editions all had the publication year and month. There were three published per year for the last six years, for a total of 18. And this was March and that meant that a new book should be out soon. She wondered if it would simply appear on the shelf and she’d get to see it, or if she actively had to do something to make it appear.

“Give me Volume 19,” she said. Then she waited. Nothing happened. She frowned.

She heard a creaking noise and turned to see the door to the library open. It was Beast. “I thought I heard you?” he said.

Beauty nodded. “Yes, I just noticed that the Ferus Lucunditas books are published three per year, in March, August and December. That means we’re due another one.”

Beast laughed. “And you’re excited about that?”

“Well, yes,” she admitted. “I have so little to look forward to; let me have this small treasure.”

Beast frowned and walked over to her. “So, this is all you have to look forward to?”

Beauty realized her mistake and bit her lip, as she tried to think of how to explain herself. “No, it’s not the only thing,” she said. “It’s just that I’m homesick. I miss my routine, Giselle, and, most of all, my father. You’re wonderful to me. It’s wonderful here, but sometimes the lack of my usual things bothers me. So, Ferus is like a little taste of home. Like, me getting a book from Giselle, going to my room, reading it by myself and touching myself.”

Beast wore a crooked smile. “Do tell,” he said. “Did you touch yourself often when you read them?”

Beauty could feel herself blushing. Despite the things she’d done with Beast, she still felt self-conscious talking about intimacies. “I’m sure most people who read that book do that. What is it you did when you read the books?” She raised an eyebrow seductively.

“Would you like me to show you?” he asked, walking toward her. “I’ll show you if you show me.”

It was an intriguing idea to Beauty. She’d never seen a man touch himself. Her curiosity got the better of her. “Alright,” she said. “Show me.”

Beast lay down on the sofa, the same one they’d used last time they’d fornicated in this room. He pulled down his britches, exposing his penis, which lay in a heap, still somewhat flaccid. Beauty walked over and sat on the floor beside him. Part of her wanted to grab his penis, touch it, take it in her mouth, make it hard and ready for her. But, this was not what he wanted. He wanted to show her what he did. And she was intrigued to see.

He put his hand on his cock, and it immediately started to come to life. It grew long and hard in seconds, and watching it caused her to moisten down below. Beast wrapped his right hand around it and began to gently, softly, move his hand up and down over the entire length. He got into a rhythm, his hand moving faster and faster, him remaining silent, his eyes closed in concentration. The look on his face was peaceful and dedicated, and Beauty liked it. She liked watching the muscles in his arm flex as he moved his hand, liked watching his erection slide in an out, like a gopher popping out of its hole. The muscles in Beast’s legs tightened too, as he performed his ritual. He was quieter when he pleased himself than when he was with her. She wondered if he offered more sound when he was with her, to let her know what pleased him, or if he simply had more pleasure when he was with her than when he was by himself. His mouth parted, and he let out a small gasp of pleasure.

She watched as his hand moved faster and faster. Then, she saw it stop, and the head of his penis spit its gooey, cream-colored mix right onto Beast’s belly. It wasn’t a single spurt, but three spurts, one after another, and then she looked up to Beast’s face, an expression of self-satisfaction resting on his lips. His breathing was steady and heavy.

He opened his eyes and turned toward her. “Did you like that?”

“Yes,” she said.

“And you’ll show me?”

Beauty nodded. A towel appeared, and Beast cleaned himself. Then, he stood and offered her his spot on the sofa. Beauty had taken to wearing less clothing since it was just her and Beast in the manor. Today, she’d been in her nightgown with a cloak over it to keep her warm. She disrobed quickly and lay on the sofa naked. As she lay there, she felt self-conscious about doing this in front of him. He had done it for her, but he was different from her. He was strong and self-assured with sex. It seemed, with his powerful body and insatiable sex drive, it would be impossible for him to fail at anything sexual.

Beauty enjoyed the physical pleasure, but she didn’t have the confidence. So, as Beast stared at her, she lay there, unable to muster the mood necessary to do this in front of him. “It’s hard,” she said, “to do this with you staring at me.”

“Close your eyes,” Beast said. “Pretend I’m not here.”

Beauty closed her eyes and thought about Beast. She thought about how she longed for him to touch her, how good it would make her feel, and then she began to touch herself in those ways. She slid her fingers around her breasts, down her abdomen and into her tuft of woman hair. Her fingers grazed the outside of her lips, then pushed inside, where it was wet and moist. She started with two fingers, gliding them deep inside her. She opened her mouth, releasing a joyful gasp as she felt the thrill of their immersion. She arched her back as she got into a rhythm and touched her breasts with her other hand, heightening the pleasure. She increased the pace of the thrusts, breathing in time with them and felt the sweet relief of coming.

She opened her eyes to find Beast sitting on the floor next to her, staring intently, a look of desperation on his face. “I want you right now” he whispered.

When she nodded, he stood, and she saw he was completely erect. Within seconds, he mounted her and thrust inside her with reckless abandon. He pounded her and growled as he did so, grabbing her butt cheeks and squeezing. Her hands found his back, and pulled him close to her. She enjoyed the power of his thrusts, the frenzied, uncontrolled passion. She pressed her fingers deep into his back, holding on while he banged her insides. It was unrelenting, and she liked it that way, as he got to a pace she found almost unbearable in its pleasure. Then finally, he released, thrusting hard, with a growl, and then collapsing on top of her. His exhausted breathing matched her own.

He kissed her on the cheek, and then adjusted himself so he lay next to her. She was completely satisfied by that exploit, surprised a little that mutual masturbation could be such a turn on for great sex. She lay there and closed her eyes, with Beast's arms around her. After a few minutes like that, Beast whispered in her ear, “I love you, Beauty.”

She lay there stunned, unmoving. She had not wanted him to say that, because he would want her to say it back. And she couldn’t. Not when she felt so trapped in this house. She pretended to be asleep.