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“You look well rested,” he uttered, his eyes traveling over the position we were in.
I cleared my throat, my pulse swelling with a mix of thrill and panic. “What time is it?”
“Early.” Atticus stepped closer to the bed, his gaze locked on me. “Want to walk on the beach?”
I nodded and eased out of August’s hold, my skin prickling in anticipation as I imagined their reactions when they awoke to find each other in bed alone together. Leo would be horrified, August triumphant.
“Wash up and I’ll meet you downstairs,” Atticus whispered before exiting the room.
The beach was quiet, save for the flow of the tide. The dew on the grass poking out of the sand glittered in the sunlight, and I sighed at the peaceful scene. The sea breeze blew through my hair, awakening the senses. The salt-heavy air stung my nostrils, and the scent of seaweed and kelp filled my lungs.
“I love it here. I can’t imagine anything more perfect than waking up to the sound of breaking waves,” I said. The sand was cool on my skin, but the sun was warm. The wind was gentle but strong, tugging on my clothes, my hair, my pulse.
My breath caught as he drew me into his arms, his expression tender as his lips brushed my forehead. “You are perfect,” he whispered, then his voice grew hoarse. “I wanted to make sure you’re okay, Little Monster.”
My heart raced as I leaned against his shoulder. “It’s really happening,” I murmured, taking in his strong arms around me, his scent of musk and spice inflaming my senses. “We are here together, Leo is—” A sharp laugh escaped my lips, imagining Leo’s bewilderment when he discovered I left him in bed with August. “All thanks to you,” I said breathlessly, gazing up into Atticus’s somber face.
His lips opened and he stared at me, his eyes a brilliant shade of midnight that were burning with a deep hunger. “What?” he asked softly, lifting his hand to brush my cheek tenderly.
I shivered and swallowed hard, heat flooding my body as his gaze consumed me. “You are so good to me,” I whispered in awe.
The air became heavy with tension, and Atticus’s expression changed to one of regret and guilt. “It’s all my fault what happened at the castle,” he murmured, his fingers threading through my hair. “My father…”
“No,” I said firmly, pulling away slightly so I could meet his eyes. The intensity of his gaze made me tremble as our gazes locked. “You are not responsible for what your father did.”
His hold on me tightened, my curves pressed against his hard chest. His fingertips dug into my flesh, and I gasped.
I slowly pulled away, my hands still resting on him. My eyes met his and I felt a shiver travel up my spine. He looked so broken, so vulnerable. I wanted to take away his pain and make him forget about the world, about the fear and hatred that had been plaguing us both.
“I was worried you’d blame me,” he said softly. His voice was like a balm to my broken spirit, and I could feel the urge to protect him rising up inside me. “I suppose I’ve been giving you space out of fear. I couldn’t hold myself back on the bridge, but…it feels wrong to touch you when I haven’t gotten rid of our enemies. I’m scared that I’m not deserving.”
“My Monster never shows fear,” I replied, lifting one hand to cup his cheek. “And you definitely don’t need to fear me.”
He closed his eyes as if he were in pain. “I fear you the most.” He squeezed me again and I almost forgot about the danger we left behind.
I pulled away, keeping my hands on his chest and rising on my toes to meet his eyes. “Why?”
The corners of his lips curled into a sad smile as he exhaled deeply. “Because I’d hate to see the sort of things I’d do for you,” he said after a few moments of silence. His words felt like a promise and a threat at the same time. “I control the world, and you control me.” His expression softened for an instant before it hardened again. “I love you, and I will end my father for what he’s done.”
My pulse raced as I looked at him in disbelief. The love that swelled inside me was overwhelming, but so was the dread of what would come next. Atticus had taken me in when nobody else cared, and he had saved me from my own darkness time and time again, but now our roles seemed to be reversed as he needed saving from his own demons.
“Atticus…I know that’s…hard,” I whispered, my words barely above a whisper. “But you can’t blame yourself—”
“And I don’t,” he said firmly, yet his voice was strained. He lowered his gaze before meeting my eyes again. “But I can’t have you getting hurt because of him. He went against you, and I will always choose you over him.” Atticus hesitated before finally speaking again. “I cannot have him hurt you.”
I swallowed hard, my blood racing wildly. “I can take care of myself,” I replied, my voice barely a whisper as I tried to suppress the emotions bubbling inside.
His forehead gently touched mine as he continued, “I know that, but it is my duty to protect you. I will always choose you over him. Over everyone.”
My chest tightened at his words, and my hands trembled uncontrollably. His love for me was unmistakable. At that moment, there was nothing more that I wanted than to feel his lips on mine and to take away his pain. He looked deep into my eyes and sighed. “I worry about you with every breath I take, and it will always be my job to end any threat against you.”
“I think I’ve proven how capable I am. It doesn’t have to be you to kill him,” I replied as my lungs swelled with pride. “We’re in this together.”
“I know. I might need to leave for a little while, Christine—”
“No. You can’t.”
“I need to kill my father. I need to do it while I know you’re safe.”
