Bodin dropped me on his bed. Giving me a lusty look. Turning his brown eyes nearly amber. He exuded power and confidence. His tall frame unmoving as he blinked at me. His face unreadable.

"Why are you hiding so many things from me?" I leaned up on my elbows.

"Because you're not ready to hear it yet."

"Oh?" I looked at him askance. "And just when will I be?"

"You tell me."

I spoke to your father moments ago. I've seen creatures leaning from trees. I've been speaking to a half-fox monster which creeps into my room to dissuade me from talking to you. I believed I'd seen quite enough to be open minded at this juncture.

"Why did you pretend to be something you weren't when we were children."

He sighed. "I told you why. To be close to you. I let you lead, and I chose to follow to be around you. I didn't deceive you about who I was. You made assumptions."

He began methodically removing his long brown over coat. One sleeve at a time, then swinging it over the back of the chair next to his massive bed. Not breaking eye contact with me.

"Will you undress for me?" He asked. Tone soft.

"Why in the world would I do that?"

"Because you've been wandering into my room in the dark, looking for me."

***

I swallowed hard. No denying that.

He leaned over me. "You want me."

"But...It's not proper..."

"We could make it proper."

"What?" I blinked at him. "How so?"

"You could marry me, as I'd suggested before."

I stared at him, jaw agape. "Are you serious?"

"Deathly."

"I..."

"Don't be a foolish little girl, Belle. You're a woman grown. Time to let go of fanciful ideals and realize that you have a grown man before you who desires you, wishes to please you, and wants to wed you. Are you mature enough to make that manner of decision?"

"What if I say 'no'?"

"That's your choice." He shook his head. "But know, I won't just accept it forever. We're destined."

"That's a ridiculous thing to say." I said breathlessly. Staring at him, so close that we were nearly exchanging air.

"It's not ridiculous." He defended. Stiffening. "I can feel it. I've known it since the first time I saw you."

"Don't you think that could be a crush."

"No." He slid his hands along the bedding as he straightened to look down at me.

***

He began unwinding his cravat and set it over the chair seat. Then began working the laces of his shirt. Then untucking his shirt, freeing his body. "You didn't answer me?"

What? What did he ask? I replayed the conversation until I came to what he was asking me again.

'Will you undress for me?'

"What will you do if I say no to that?" I wanted to fully weigh my options.

"Seduce you until you change your mind." I recalled his touch on me that last day in Demetrius House. Remembered how vividly he had me melting against the wall.

He can do it. But it wasn't enough to make me obey him. It wasn't in my nature.

But there was something else pulling behind my mind. I do want him. I wanted to feel him again. To experience him inside my body. Hear those sounds which now seemed like a far-off memory.

I chewed my lip.

"Decide, Belle." He coaxed.

"Yes." I said breathlessly. Tugging at the laces on the front of my dress. Willing to experience what I had again.

Bodin nodded and stepped back to give me room. Thankfully, not asking me to repeat what I'd said. Which was wise, since I would've chickened out.

I freed my bodice and set it aside on the bed next to me. Then worked the laces of my under dress.

Bodin watched quietly, already inspecting the dusky spots under the filmy white fabric where my nipples were showing through.

I sat up and the fabric began slipping down my shoulders.

Bodin's hands lifted as though he'd help me push it off, but I looked away from him and his hands fell. Not touching me.

I stood and dropped the gown over my body. Exposing me fully to his view.