Beauty and Deceit: A Beauty and the Beast Faerie Tale Retelling by Carol Beth Anderson

Author:Carol Beth Anderson [Anderson, Carol Beth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Eliana Press
Published: 2023-07-10T23:00:00+00:00

30

OH HEAVENS, HE CAN KISS

Wyatt’s eyes go wide. There’s an odd panic in them, and when he responds, his voice is trembling. “Why—why wouldn’t you want to marry him? What’s going on?”

I cover my face with my hands and attempt to control my breaths. “Can we sit?”

“Of course.”

We settle on a nearby bench. My breathing slows a bit. “He’s arrogant, Wyatt. At least that’s what I see in him. But you know him better. Please tell me I’m seeing this wrong.”

He swallows hard. “Why do you think he’s arrogant?”

I take a deep breath. “I’ve been walking the grounds, reviewing every meaningful interaction I’ve had with Tor. I’ll tell you all of it, good and bad and in between. Then you can honestly tell me what you think. Is that all right?”

Wyatt nods.

I talk for a very long time. He doesn’t interrupt, but he responds silently, smiling when I tell him of the library vault and grimacing when I talk about Tor’s focus on himself in conversations. I don’t want to admit I’ve kissed Tor, but I force the words out, knowing how important those moments were. At those points of my retelling, Wyatt’s face goes oddly blank.

Finally, I recall how Tor insisted I do things his way as we cooked tonight. Wyatt’s shoulders droop, and I wonder why he looks so disappointed.

At last, I go quiet. All I can hear is crickets for a minute or two before he shakes his head. “I don’t know what to say.”

“All I’m asking for is honesty. Please. You’ve known him longer than I have.”

“I’m so . . . so confused, Aeryn. This vanity you’re describing, it does sound like the person Tor used to be. But I thought he’d grown past all that. I thought he’d improved himself. I’m encouraged by some of what you’ve told me—that gentleness you describe wasn’t always there. So he’s . . . he’s headed in the right direction, I think.”

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

A short, humorless chuckle leaves his mouth. “I’m not sure.” His warm hands find mine, and an odd intensity enters his gaze. “He needs to find someone who will love him, Aeryn. That goal, it’s not only important to him, it’s vital for others too—” He cuts off abruptly. “I can’t say more.”

I’m trying desperately to ignore the warmth swirling low in my belly from the touch of his hands on mine. I should pull away, but I don’t. Maybe if I keep talking, my body’s irrational reactions will fade. “He isn’t just in this competition for his own benefit,” I say.

It’s not a question, but Wyatt nods.

“I’m here for others too,” I say. “Marrying Tor may be the only way I can ensure my family is provided for.”

He nods again, somehow imbuing the simple motion with deep care and understanding.

“I know there’s good in him.” I unconsciously squeeze Wyatt’s hands. “There really is. He’s treated me with gentleness. And if you’re telling me he’s a better male than he used to be—”

“He is,” Wyatt interrupts, his voice fervent.

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