Belle and the Beast: A College Enemies to Lovers Romance

by Ruby Vincent

  “A secret is too intimate, but sleeping together isn’t?”

  “It’s not too intimate. It’s just a different kind.” His gaze traveled over my head. “My mother and father have been together for twenty-five years, and there are many things she hasn’t told him.”

  The tone in his reply probed me to dig deeper. I pushed the impulse aside. After all, we barely knew each other.

  “I understand,” I said instead. “But I’ve named my terms. Whether or not you meet them is up to you.”

  He blew out a breath. “Not giving me much of a choice, are you?”

  “You have a choice.”

  “No.” Preston raked me up and down, mentally peeling off each article of clothing. “I don’t.”

  My body suffused with heat. My feelings about men with pretty faces were clear. Their sweet words had little effect on me. Even so, I wasn’t dead. My lady parts were fully functional and unheeding of common sense or wisdom.

  “I’ll tell you a secret I haven’t told anyone.” He held out his hand. I took it unthinkingly, letting him draw me close. “Will you share one too?”

  I shook my head. “You’re trying to get in my pants, remember? Not the other way around.”

  Preston threaded his fingers over the small of my back. “Hardly seems fair,” he murmured. “But okay. This stays between us... right?”

  “I won’t repeat anything you tell me, Preston. I promise.”

  “I don’t know why I feel I can trust you. Or maybe the self-preservation part of my brain is getting its ass kicked by my sex drive.”

  Laughing softly, I placed my hand on his chest, chancing a hope it was beating as fast as mine. It thumped even harder. “Another flaw of your kind.”

  Something flickered in his eyes. “But not my worst one.” Preston dropped his head. Resting on my forehead, our skin melded, noses touched, and lips separated by a hair. Despite this, I got the feeling it wasn’t a romantic gesture, but a protective one.

  “I had— have a cousin,” he began. “Darren. He’s two years older than me.”

  Preston stopped. He was quiet for so long I thought that may be the end of the story.

  Is Darren a secret Desai love child that no one is supposed to know about?

  “Darren’s a bastard.”

  So I was right.

  “A seriously twisted little evil shit.”

  I blinked. Okay. I don’t know where this is going at all.

  “Once when he was eleven, his horse threw him. Darren ran back to the stable, got a shovel, and beat the damn animal so bad, he had to be put down.”

  My stomach twisted in horror. “Oh my gosh,” I breathed.

  “You have no idea, Belle. The things he’d do to me when we were alone. He tortured me.” Preston raised his head, nose skimming my bridge and forehead to rest his chin on my crown. I was certain now that he didn’t want me to see his expression. “Took sick pleasure in hurting me. He said if I had a problem with it, do something.

  “So I did.”

  “What?” I heard myself say.

  Preston held me tighter, as though he was drawing strength from me to continue. “Darren has a peanut allergy. Everyone was warned to not let him touch the stuff,” he said. “One day, Nanny left us alone to play, and I crushed the handful of peanuts I stole from the kitchen and mixed it into his snack.”

  “What happened?”

  “What do you think happened? He ran to get his EpiPen and found nothing. I had taken it.”

  I swallowed hard. I had asked for a secret he never told anyone. He gave it to me.

  “Darren collapsed on the carpet, choking and clutching his throat. I was ten. I swear I didn’t know he’d react that badly but... as he was lying there begging me to get help, I realized that he would die and I... could let him.”

  “Preston.”

  “The bastard would never hurt me again. All I had to do was wait.” Suddenly, his arms were gone. I stumbled in surprise, but Preston didn’t seem to notice. He sidestepped me, moving up the garden path, and leaving me the one chasing him. “At some point, he must’ve realized I wasn’t going to help him.”

  Preston’s voice floated over his shoulder. “Darren stopped pleading and started crying. The first time I’d ever seen him do that. And it was then that it hit me what I’d been about to do. All of a sudden, he was real.”

  I caught his hand and spun him to face me. “If this is the first time you’re saying this out loud, say it to me. You don’t have to worry that you’ll see judgment in my eyes. I’ve got too much for myself to spare for you.”

  “Belle.”

  “You saved him, Preston,” I whispered. “I know you did.”

  Slowly, he nodded. “I did. I jabbed him with the pen, called for Nanny, and they rushed him to the hospital. He was fine. We never spoke about that day again and he stopped coming over.”

  “Thank you for telling me.”

  “Belle.” Preston pressed my fingers to his lips, dropping kisses on my pads. “That’s not the secret.”

  I frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “The secret is if he hadn’t cried, I would’ve let him die, Belle.” The confession seeped inside of me. “I didn’t know he’d have that bad of a reaction, but I was hoping for one all the same. I was willing to do anything to stop him.”

  At that moment, I understood. Preston wasn’t hiding his face to mask the shame. He hid so I wouldn’t see that there wasn’t any. An emotion I could name, but never would, spread through my veins.

  “There you are, Belle.” His breath ghosted my palm. “A secret that matters. Can you spare any judgment for me now?”

  “No.” I tipped his chin, making him look me directly in the eye. “No one was coming to save you, Preston, so you had to save yourself. And from what I hear, the bastard got the hint quick.”

  His eyes flashed. “You were right about that painting. It’s fucking terrible.”

  Preston crushed our lips together, swallowing my gasp and plunging inside. I clung to him, giving myself eagerly to the kiss. It wasn’t a sweet, gentle thing of two new lovers feeling each other out. Our kiss was hot, fierce, and dirty.

  Our tongues tangled in a battle for dominance. Twisting and dipping past each other’s lips, ravaging each other like starving animals. I broke away for a sip of air, and Preston ensnared my bottom lip between his teeth, pressing down until I moaned in both pleasure and pain.

  My natural defenses shielded me as long as they could, then Preston kissed me, they blew apart like a paper town in a tornado. They never stood a chance against him. Heat stained my cheeks. Electricity lit my nerves, supercharging them to feel his touch as burns. Smell his woodsy scent as an intoxicating drug, and pool wetness between my legs at the hungry growls as he devoured my lips.

  My immunity was defeated.

  We broke apart after what felt like eternity, chests heaving, and the white of our eyes shining in the moonlight.

  “That kiss was just in case,” he breathed.

  “Just in case of what?”

  “You didn’t deem my secret worthy.”

  My laugh was hoarse. “Oh, I have. You’ve met the terms. I’ll have your body now.”

  “Shit. What are we waiting for?” Preston was on me in a flash. He grasped my thighs through the fabric and lifted me. His lips were on mine before he dropped to his knees.

  “Whoa.” I tore myself away with difficulty. “You do still have a lot to learn. You don’t get grass stains on an Oscar, Desai.” I wriggled out of his arms, dropping down on my feet. I grinned at his dazed expression. “Didn’t you mention living here? Surely you’ve got a bedroom somewhere in that mansion. Or do they make Cinderfella sleep by the fireplace?”

  “Come with me.”

  Preston grabbed my hand. Together we ran through the gardens, laughing and speaking in hushed whispers like getting caught would mean trouble.

  It would for me at least. A break for fresh air wasn’t supposed to last this long. My parent
s were inside waiting for me to blow in and play the part of the starry-eyed maiden. Tonight the eligible and unmarried men and women in our community gathered for the reception hosted by the Desais. We’d mingle, catch up with those we do know, and scope out the ones we don’t.

  It also allowed our folks to present us like livestock, showing us off to the proper families, and letting them know why the heir to Dame Lewis-Adler and her husband Tobias Adler, the CEO of Sea Queen cruise lines, was who they wanted their son to propose to at the end of our summer in Citrine Cove.

  Preston led me to a side door that opened into an empty hallway. Our feet were soundless on the carpet, concealing our presence from the murmurs of people on the other side.

  “Live-in staff quarters,” he explained. “My room is at the top of these stairs.”

  I nodded because I didn’t trust myself to speak. Anticipation pulsed in my blood, quickening my breath, and throbbing in my middle. Who knew two years later I’d find the handsome stranger from the gallery in another place I didn’t want to be.

  Funny the tricks my life plays on me.

  “Anything I should know before we get in there?”

  “Like what?” I asked.

  He shot me a raised brow over his shoulder. “Virgin?”

  “No. I told you as much.”

  “All right. Just making sure this club wasn’t so exclusive the members were only you and your vibrator.”

  I laughed. “That’s not a problem, is it?”

  “Nope. All it meant was I would’ve had to be gentle.”

  “So, you’re saying you won’t be gentle with me now?”

  “Yes,” he said, voice deepening. “That’s what the fuck I’m saying.”

  A shiver went up my spine. How far is this bedroom?!

  Preston and I climbed the stairs and stepped off in a hallway ten times grander than the one we left. Blue and gold brocade carpet stretched the length of the endless space. On the walls, the portraits of generations of Desais tracked us—looking a tad disapproving if I said so myself.

  The thought made me laugh.

  “What’s funny?” The next thing I knew I was shoved against the door. Preston latched on my neck, licking a stripe up the sensitive skin and then nipping his way back down. “I’ve been waiting a long time for you, Cinderella.”

  “We should drop that name,” I got out. “Trust me, my life is an entirely different horror story.”

  “You want another one?” His hand slipped under my dress. Preston hooked my thong and yanked it down with one hard tug. “Earn it. Save yourself.”

  “I—”

  Preston plunged inside. The demon of stone, cherry lips, and honey eyes didn’t wait for me to recover. He set a punishing pace, moving so fast and faster still as my moans grew louder.

  His middle finger joined the party, helping to spread me open as he rolled my clit under his thumb. A sea of tulle bunched up between us, coming as high as my chin.

  Oscar, I’m sorry. I have nothing but the greatest respect for your work. Please forgive me for coming all over it.

  “More,” I gasped.

  Preston pushed a third finger inside of me and my eyes pretty much rolled into my skull. Head smacking the wood. Moans dropping from my lips and a string of filthy promises from his. We were far from quiet.

  Gripping his shoulders, I pushed him down. “On your knees.”

  “Gladly. Been wondering for two years what you taste like.” Preston trapped my gaze as he licked his fingers clean. “Delicious.”

  I about came right there on the spot.

  Preston disappeared under my voluminous gown. I squeaked as my legs were lifted and draped over his shoulders. He latched on to that little bundle of nerves, sucking and flicking the helpless thing until my cries grew desperate. Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, Preston spread my lips and tongue-fucked me—his head a bobbing lump beneath my dress.

  I came so hard my back arched off the wall and knocked me off-balance. Preston gripped my hips, stopping me from tipping face-first into the rug as the orgasm wracked my body.

  Gently he set me on my feet and poked his head back out. “Should’ve mentioned.” Preston grasped the knob. “This is my room.”

  He threw open the door, sending me stumbling inside. I spared a quick glance at the black and silver wallpaper spreading spidery designs around the room. The larger-than-life bed with monogrammed sheets, and a television that couldn’t fit into most garages. A quick glance and then I ran to a corner to struggle with the buttons on my dress. Preston was not messing around and I couldn’t risk this fabric to those devilish fingers.

  See? I haven’t completely lost my senses. I still have my priorities in order.

  I pushed the bodice past my waist seconds before he got me. Preston lifted me out of the tulle and captured me in another mind-fogging kiss. Lips connected, I made short work of his clothes.

  “I don’t care who else is in the fucking club.” Preston picked me up and carried me to his desk. “And once I’m done, you won’t either. You won’t even remember their names.”

  “Marcos, Cason, N—”

  Snarling, Preston swiped his desktop, keyboard, pencils, and books crashing to the floor. I half screamed/half laughed.

  “Just letting you know how many names you’ll have to fuck out of my head,” I teased. “Consider it motivation.”

  “I am properly motivated now. Thank you very much.” Preston set me down and reached between my legs for the desk drawer. The crinkle of a wrapper told me why. “Flip over,” he ordered. “You’re going to watch.”

  I didn’t know what he meant. Preston gestured to the right and the large vanity mirror positioned conveniently to shine a spotlight on our activities.

  “Turn around,” he ordered. “Ass up.”

  I rushed to comply.

  I lied about Preston joining the club. This guy was in a league all his own. His command over my body was spine-meltingly sexy. He took what he wanted and swept me along for the ride, and I was loving where this was going.

  Stretching over the desk, my ass hung over the edge, up and wiggling for him as it was told.

  “Can you see?”

  I saw.

  Saw my cheek pressed against the glass desk and the foggy condensation from my rapid pants. I watched him roll the condom over his impressive length. Preston positioned himself at my entrance and I saw that too. I held my breath knowing—and seeing—what was coming next.

  Mirror Belle’s eyes widened as he disappeared inside of her inch by inch.

  Preston started pumping—slow at first and then picking up speed as he found his rhythm. I stared at the mirror mesmerized. It was one thing to feel him filling me up. To hear our bodies smacking together and for beads of sweat to pinprick our skin. It was a whole other thing entirely to see it happen.

  If someone was to carve this man a statue, it should be just like this. Head thrown back, chest glistening, and body bent like a bow as he buried himself to the hilt.

  “What do you see?” His voice was nothing more than a growl.

  “Y-you,” I rasped. “Fucking me.”

  Preston gripped the edge of the desk. Without breaking pace, he leaned over me, propped one knee on the surface, and used the entire weight of his body to slam home.

  I choked on a scream.

  It was official. This man was a beast.

  He drilled me savagely. The force banged the desk into the wall over and over. I feared it would shatter into pieces but that fear wasn’t strong enough to tell him to stop. On the contrary.

  “Yes, Preston, harder!”

  “Your wish is my command, Cinderella.”

  I was slick with sweat, nipples rock hard and body sliding up and down the desk in the most satisfying noises to go with our sex symphony.

  Heat pooled in my middle, tightening me around him and deepening his groans. “Fuck, Belle. I’m close.”

  I was already there. I locked on to the mirror, desperate to se
e my orgasm for the first time.

  It burst through my body, sending wracking waves of pleasure that threw every muscle into spasm, and all Mirror Belle could do was hold on to the desk, her mouth open in a silent scream. Seconds after I went boneless, Preston stiffened. He spilled himself inside of me, filling the condom, and dropping down on me.

  His damp locks tickled my cheek. “Damn,” he croaked.

  “Understatement.”

  Preston gathered me in his arms and carried me to his bed. We lay on top of his sheets, sharing kisses and, I hoped, conserving strength for round two.

  “What were those other guys’ names?” he asked.

  “Hmm. Was it Mattias? Casper?” I clicked my tongue. “Look at that. You did fuck them out of me.”

  “Then my work here is done.”

  “Not yet.” Our fingers threaded together between us. Locked. Bonded. Unbreakable. “We should do it again to make sure it sticks.”

  Preston nipped my nose. “Best idea I’ve heard all day.”

  “So the mirror,” I began. “Having a girl watch you jackhammer her like a sidewalk. You’re kind of a freak, Desai.”

  He smirked. “Thought you didn’t have judgment to spare.”

  “Who’s judging?” I traced his lips. “I’m into it. Show me more of your freaky ways.”

  “Tonight?” he asked. “Or am I going to see more of you?”

  “It’ll cost you a lot of secrets, but it’s a price I’m willing to let you pay.”

  I kissed him mid-laugh.

  Preston got the full bang for his buck out of the first secret. He put me on my knees on his comforter. On my back in front of his fireplace, and then completely off my feet in the shower. The niggling voice warning that my parents would be searching for me faded into the background.

  The world had gone mad. Mom and Dad lost their minds. My future was on its head, and the shadow that stretched over my life darkened every stray thought or fleeting moment of peace.

  None of that touched me in Preston’s room.

  I lingered under the spray, eyes closed and secure in his arms. Preston licked my wet shoulder, neck, and arrived to nibble on my ear. We lay on the bottom of his grand tub. At some point, we stopped fooling around and started talking.