Free Beauty and Her Beastly Love (Passion-Filled Fairy Tales Book 2) by Rosetta Bloom Page 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,