Beasty (A Royal's Tale Book 2)

by Jennise K

  Grabbing him tightly, I carefully moved him into the room and towards the bathroom. I smiled in relief when I saw a hot bath had already been run for him.

  Marsha…

  Stopping in front of the bath tub, I scooped down to check the water’s temperature when an arm wrapped around me and pulled me back against a hard chest.

  “No,” Romanov snarled at me. I made a move to step away again.

  I sighed as I looked from the water to his arms around me. “You need to bathe, Rome. I’ll be here. I promise.”

  “You’re mine, Olivia,” Romanov growled at me deliriously, warning me. He took a step backwards, letting me kneel down and check the water.

  I didn’t know how Marsha did it, given that nobody knew we were getting out of that horrid place, but the temperature was just right. It wasn’t scalding hot but it still held enough warmth to soothe a tired body.

  Getting back up, I gulped as I looked at his pants. This was necessary. For Rome’s safety. I was his. He was mine. I was going to help him heal. I paused at what I just said to myself.

  He was mine. He is mine.

  With those replaying in my mind like a mantra, I slowly unzipped his pants and pulled it down, visibly inhaling at the sight of him in his black boxer brief. He removed himself from his pants that pooled around his ankles, taking one excruciating step after another. I took this cue to grip the waistband of his boxer and noticed that the once groaning Romanov was now extremely still and silent. I held his boxer and deliberately pulled it down an inch, giving him time to stop me.

  He didn’t do anything but stare at me. So, slowly, I began pulling it off.

  My gaze moved to Romanov’s as his boxer came off, his jet black gaze keeping me captive. His boxer fell to the floor, and despite the pain, he immediately kneeled to capture my lips with his.

  Pulling me back on my feet, both Romanov and I just stayed there like that—our foreheads pressed together—as we both tried to regain our breathing.

  “I won’t touch you like that unless you want me to, Olivia. I promise,” he mumbled softly.

  Closing my eyes as his warm forehead touched mine, I felt him move away and settle into the large tub.

  “You can look now.”

  I opened my eyes and immediately turned to him. I looked into his dark pools and saw the broad frame of his shoulders almost filling the large bathtub, making the tub look like that of a baby’s. My eyes ran over every bruise, cut, and welt on his body, and slowly, I settled myself behind him, my fingers running through the dark mess of his hair.

  “What about these scars?” I mumbled softly as I moved on his back and gently washed away the blood and sweat off him.

  “Then you’ll have a very scarred mate.”

  I couldn’t help but let a broken smile show. My hands threaded his hair again, and pulling it back, I leaned down and pressed a kiss on his forehead. His erratic breathing immediately went back to normal.

  “Thank you,” I whispered against his skin, feeling a new stream of tears slipping down my cheeks. “For giving me a choice.”

  Romanov remained silent, and I continued to wash him. I had a feeling something had changed between us tonight. Something we wouldn’t know until the right time. But find out, we would.

  Wrapping a towel around himself, Romanov walked out of the bathroom before I did. I unplugged the bathtub, draining it of the crimson water and making sure the tub was stripped clean. Eventually, I walked out into the room.

  I froze and gasped as Romanov stood before me stark naked but dried. Every piece of him was pure masculinity. Broad shoulders, strong back, perfect ar…and muscles. Strong, well-defined muscles. Everywhere.

  I gulped as I followed his gaze, which settled on a bowl filled with what looked like an herbal ointment.

  I slowly made my way towards it and found a note tucked beneath it, and on it was an instruction from Sophia.

  Apply this on his wounds. It’ll help to avoid scarring.

  – Sophia

  I smiled in gratitude for this efficiency as I picked the bowl up and turned towards Romanov who was still standing. My eyes stared into his black pools. And he stared back on my brown ones.

  Trying my best not to look south toward his nether regions, I dragged myself to him until I stood in front of him. Immediately, his fingers found my hair and eased them back, away from my face.

  I sighed. Leaning my head on his chest, I closed my eyes and just stayed there for a second before placing a kiss on the centre of his chest.

  “This may sting,” I whispered as I scooped a bit of salve with my fingers before spreading it on a wound on his hands.

  Looking up to see his face, I flinched as I saw his eyes shut with pain. Immediately, I began tearing up.

  It didn’t help that I was an easy crier, but in this situation, I couldn’t help it but exhaust my tear ducts. It just wouldn’t stop. So, I just let it be; I let the tears fall as I looked down at his bruised and wounded body and continued to apply the salve on his hands and then his legs.

  I could feel Romanov’s eyes on me as I applied the salve while I cried, feeling guilty for being the cause of this but thankful that he respected me enough not to force himself on me. Along with that, I also felt warmth inside me, my heart throbbing for him and his respect for me. But I didn’t care. I continued to apply the salve until all his wounds were covered. In that moment, I was no longer hyperconscious of his nakedness nor his manhood. In that moment, all I cared for was his wounds—and him.

  Standing up on my feet again, I reached for the wound on his palm but was taken aback when he suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me close. My eyes snapped to his, and I smiled as I stayed there in his arms before stepping back and pulling him towards the bed.

  A clean white sheet was placed on the bed above the actual bed sheets, and I silently thanked the person who had done this. Romanov sunk down on the bed, carefully manoeuvring himself on his back so as not to ruin the salves on his wounds until he completely laid down. I went up to him and ran my fingers through his hair as I smiled softly at him.

  “I’ll just go shower, okay?”

  “Okay,” Romanov whispered as he eased himself into a comfortable position on the bed.

  I lovingly ran my fingers through his hair before placing a small peck on his forehead and walking my way out of his room and towards mine.

  Washing away the blood, sweat, and tears off me felt like a finale for all the harsh events of tonight. Tonight was hardly over, but at least the hard parts were done with.

  Twirling my hair in my towel, I straightened up and brought the towel towards the back of my head to secure it. I smiled in satisfaction at my fresh state; I’d already changed into a fresh tank top and pyjama, brushed my teeth, and scrubbed my skin spotless. I got out of the bathroom and walked into the room, placing my things on a tiny table beside my suitcase.

  Pulling my towel away from my hair, I brushed the wet locks straight and moved towards the towel hanger to drape my towel on it.

  My thoughts wandered to Romanov, thinking whether he had fallen asleep or not. I smiled, thinking he must have slept by now. He needed the rest.

  Slowly turning towards my bedroom door, I padded my way towards it and pulled my door open, immediately letting out a loud yelp as two strong hands grabbed me and flung me over.

  I grabbed hold of the thick, black, almost dark blue fur of Romanov’s as he began speeding away, low growls tumbling out of his chest.

  The door slammed shut behind us as he stormed us into his room and dropped me on his bed. I bounced on the bed once before his large beast form pressed me against it, his muzzle dipping into the crook of my neck before slowly shifting back into a human nose.

  “Sorry. Panicked,” he said in a deep baritone that rumbled out like thunder. I sighed against him as I felt him place a kiss just near his mark. A shot of electricity ran down my sides, and I gripped his shoulder with the intensity of it.

  “It’s okay. I’m here,�
� I said, my breath hitching in my throat when he placed a kiss now directly over his mark.

  “Miss your knickers.” Romanov breathed as he leaned back and looked at me, a smirk on his lips.

  A smile spread over my face, and I pushed him to his side. Reaching for the lamp, he turned the lights off, and I felt him scoot away a little.

  Reaching for my pyjama’s waistband, I easily slid it off and folded it in the dark, placing it on the side. Immediately, I found Romanov in the dark and curled cosily into him.

  We both lay there in each other’s arms—his hands wrapped around my waist, his fingers tracing circles on my belly under my tank top and his lips pressing against my temples—with the light from the full moon slipping into the room. Somnus finally draped his sleepy wings over us, and we both settled into a peaceful sleep, content in each other’s arms.

  Chapter 18

  Consciousness came slowly, unwrapping sleep’s arms that wrapped around me and touching me into alertness. Somnus detached itself from my senses, making way for wakefulness, waiting for the next time we’d meet. Consciousness came to me in slow, soft caresses, in swirling shapes of circles and twirls.

  It came with low mumbles and almost whispered orders. I blinked as the last remnant of sleep slipped away, and I felt the surface of a hard chest pressing against my cheeks. The smell of soap and musky cologne filtered into my nostrils, and I automatically inched closer, the top of my nose brushing against the slightly brittle skin. I wrinkled my nose, closing my eyes for a second, as I snuggled into the comfort in his arms—Romanov’s strong grip around me, caressing slow circles on my arm, making me feel warm, safe.

  With a soft smile on my lips, I pressed my lips to the skin of Romanov’s neck but froze when I felt him tense against me, the low mumble stopping for a second before I felt him relax, and it began again. My eyes still closed, I frowned, then slowly opened them again, quickly realising I was not actually in bed. Eyes wide, I looked up to see Romanov’s strong jaw and a serious expression on his face as he talked to someone in front of him. Immediately, I looked down, digesting the fact that I was actually in Romanov’s lap, curled up against him, a white blanket wrapped around me—while he sat in his office and worked. I had been there—asleep—while he was working.

  Romanov seemed to be talking to someone, but everything suddenly went on mute as I slowly turned, and froze, my cheeks reddening instantly.

  Seated directly across Romanov’s table were Dom and Grayson. Their eyes met mine, and I almost swore under my breath when I noticed the amused twinkle in their eyes, not even trying to hide it.

  “Good morning.” Grayson nodded at me before picking up a black file and striding towards the door and left. My eyes widened slightly at the sight of him wearing a suit.

  “Good morning, Olli,” Dominic mumbled softly, his eyes moving to look and nod at the person behind me before picking his own files. He stood and, with one final glance, followed after Grayson.

  “Morning,” I replied lamely into the air. I froze when I felt the Romanov tighten the hold of his strong arms around me. He lowered his face until he could press his lips to my forehead, keeping his lips there.

  “Good morning,” Romanov mumbled into my forehead, his tone not giving anything away.

  I shook my head, refusing to talk. If there was one thing I’d like to greet the love of my life with, it’d never be by my morning breath.

  “You’re not going to talk?” Romanov asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

  I shook my head again, slightly mortified and confused. I was not going to talk until I brushed.

  “Not even if I tell you your arm’s poking against a wound right now?” Romanov asked again, his voice suddenly gruff and serious.

  A loud squeak left my lips as I jolted forward, trying to remove myself from him. Last night’s memories flooded in through in a soft blur. I quickly shook my head at the memory of his—Arrrgh! I need to get out of here and brush my teeth and not think about that. I twisted, almost free, but Romanov’s arms around me tightened, pulling me back into him.

  “Don’t. I need you close.”

  It was only a mere whisper, his warm breath against my neck, his lips brushing against my suddenly hot skin. But I still froze. It still swept my breath away.

  I sighed as I felt myself involuntarily ease against him again, curling back in his arms, closing my eyes. I felt as Romanov’s posture change and he relaxed in his seat. Then slowly, the sound of his pen scribbling came back, and I sighed again. What was even going on?

  The second time consciousness came in and crashed in like a wave, with the clattering and crashing of something to the floor, followed by a loud growl. My eyes instantly snapped open and zoned in on the tight, chiselled jaw just above my line of sight.

  “You woke her up,” Romanov snapped, his voice cold and punishing. Immediately, my eyes followed his, and I felt myself blush at the sight before me.

  Marsha stood rigid, a dozen mortified maids behind her staring straight at the broken platters scattered around her feet. It was then when I noticed the stranger beside Marsha. Her beautiful, sharp face was framed by shiny, silver, shoulder-length hair, and a pair of designer spectacles rested on her nose.

  Then in her perfectly coloured lips, she broke the ice. “Romanov, dear, who is this?”

  I hesitated under her sharp gaze, suddenly feeling like I was caught playing a dirty prank on people.

  Romanov, however, was nonplussed; he was the epitome of relaxed. He still held me close, and his coal black eyes settled on the woman’s slightly grey ones.

  I watched and waited as Romanov continued with his staring contest with the fashionably regal woman.

  Finally, he spoke.

  “My soulmate.”

  A collection of gasps ripped out in the large hall—including my own—and my eyes snapped to Romanov and found him already looking at me. I watched—dumbfounded—as he looked up at the woman again and repeated himself.

  “Aunt Meryl, this is Olivia, my soulmate.”

  I felt faint.

  His words echoed inside my head.

  Soulmate…

  Soulmate…

  Soulmate…

  He had said and acknowledged it—out loud.

  Lady Edika…

  A little laugh of delight erupted from the tall lady, and I looked at her, my eyes wide in disbelief at what just happened. The woman stepped forward and stood near Romanov’s table, peering her eyes at me. It was only when she smiled and her eyes softened that I realised the hope she hid behind the sharpness in her eyes.

  “Well, that’s brilliant then!” Aunt Meryl beamed then wrinkled her nose. “Although it’s odd how I met both Olivia and Theia in the most awkward of times. Why exactly are you carrying the poor girl around?”

  I heard as Romanov sighed, giving in to his aunt. “I need her close.”

  I was completely sure I was red by now. My eyes turned towards all the girls behind Marsha—who was looking amused at my helpless state—and saw Rose, a mask of panic stretched all over her face and her hands fisted beside her. Standing beside her, Sophia and Rachael were smiling.

  For a second, I frowned, worrying over Rose. Was she okay?

  “Very well then, dear. Take your mate to your room, will you? I must restock the dear’s closet with my latest collection. I see I guessed her size perfectly!” she squeaked in delight. To which Romanov sighed.

  Her eyes turned to me again, and she gave a bright motherly smile once more. “Oh, and Olivia, it’s so very nice to meet you, dear. Lord knows Romanov needs you.”

  I could do nothing but smile, mumbling out a soft “thanks” before hiding my disastrous bed face against Romanov’s chest again.

  “I apologise. I’d forgotten you would visit, Aunt Meryl. It is—like always—wonderful to have you here.”

  Aunt Meryl smiled at Rome and dismissively waved her hands in front of her. “You know I always visit at random times.”

  “Quite.” Rom
anov scoffed, and I almost gasped when he readjusted his hand and cupped my breast, his thumb unconsciously giving the swell of it a caress.

  The knowing look of mischief Aunt Meryl gave me then clearly told me that she had witnessed that caress before. Despite the impossibility, I felt myself redden more.

  Aunt Meryl’s grin widened, and she looked back up at Romanov, clutching onto her Gucci bag. “Romanov, dear. I think it’s time you ought to take your mate upstairs now.”

  ~

  The feeling of finally having peed, brushed, and bathed felt liberating. And I swirled in the freedom of being able to talk and look at people without worrying about morning breath or bedhead as I walked out of the bathroom and into Romanov’s room, with my short, red skirt and white long-sleeved top on, and my hair held only by a red ribbon.

  Romanov’s room smelled like him. The air radiated with the aura he always carried. In the room’s white and grey theme, his personality was made apparent. My eyes fell on a silent Romanov seated on the bed, and I slowed my pace, casually strolling towards him.

  I was curious—and so overwhelmed—about how he had so suddenly just admitted it to everyone and even said it out loud. I was his soulmate.

  A chill ran down my spine as I made my approach, and I suddenly stopped when Romanov turned around and looked up, his golden eyes meeting mine.

  “You acknowledged it…in front of everyone,” I blurted out, my hands hanging limply beside me while I just stood there, desperately aching for answers.

  “I did.” Romanov nodded, but then he stopped, and I felt my heart sink a little. He wasn’t going to tell me more.

  Disappointed, I let my head fall down before I slowly padded my way towards him again, coming toe to toe with him. I braced my hands on his shoulders and climbed back onto his lap until I was straddling him.

  “This is so complicated,” I whispered, not clearly knowing if I was saying this to him or myself.

  Romanov’s hands slipped around me and his lips automatically found his mark. My grip on Romanov’s shoulders tightened as he ran the tip of his tongue on his mark in slow, tentative motions.