Page 121 of Blood and Thorns

“Exactly,” I said. “So we’d better be careful how we approach this. Wouldn’t want the snake to escape before we cut off its head.”

Chapter 53

Sebastian

I knew Arabella was safe, but my shoulders were still tight until I was able to see for myself. Since she’d been hurt, I’d reassigned Chip to keep a watch on her.

Dismissing him as soon as I got home, I paused at the threshold of her bedroom, simply watching her practice her British Sign Language in the mirror. In front of her on the chest of drawers was a book, and she was clearly copying the hand gestures.

“You’re doing it wrong,” I said, making her jump and spin on the spot.

A blush darkened her cheeks before she frowned, returning her attention to the book. “How am I doing it wrong? It looks exactly the same.”

“Here, let me.” Placing the pastry box down beside her book, I showed her how to say‘Hello, my name is’.

Her frown deepened as she studied my movements before attempting it herself. I carefully moved her hands into the right shapes before continuing to add her name at the end.

“You want to tell me how you got the book?” I knew exactly how she got the book, but I wanted to hear her say it.I wasn’t threatened by Charlie Potter, and his infatuation with Arabella was the reason I’d assigned him to her in the first place.

Not once had he ever shown interest in anyone as much as her. Keeping her safe was proving his loyalty, something he’d been wanting to do for a while.

She pouted her lips, reaching behind her to slap the book closed. “Does it matter?”

“Keeping secrets from me matters.” I reached behind her for the book, glancing at the front cover before returning my attention to her. “You’re learning BSL. Langdon usesLangue des Signes Française.”

“So I’ve been learning the wrong sign?” Her eyes widened with her words, and I laughed at her expression.

“Lang understands and can sign BSL fluently, but he uses LSF to communicate the majority of the time.” Which Chip knew, considering as a young child Mrs Potter worked for my uncle. He spent the majority of his time there when he wasn’t at school and watched as we all learned to adapt to Langdon’s way of communication. So why did he get her a book on the wrong language?

“Oh my God, I should’ve learned French instead,” she groaned, hiding her face with her hands. I gently gripped her wrists, pulling them back down.

“I’ll teach you.”

“Really?” Her voice held a cautious edge, like she wasn’t sure if she could trust the offer.

“Yes. But only if you move into my room. Permanently.”

“There’s always a condition with you.” Arabella rolled her eyes, but I tugged her closer anyway. She didn’t resist, her breath hitching as I leaned in, her pupils darkening just before our lips touched. “I want to ask you something,” she whispered, my breath mingling with hers. “I want my freedom.”

I froze. Jaw tight. Pressure blooming hot in my chest.

“Ara–”

“I’m not leaving,” she cut in, soft but steady. Determined. “Not until my debt is paid. I just don’t want to feel like a prisoner anymore. I want to be here because Ichooseto be, not because I have to.”

Because I choose to be.

Shit.

“Fine,” I said, my voice rough. “But you’ll have a guard with you whenever you’re outside. That’s non-negotiable.”

“Sebastian–”

I silenced her with a brush of my lips, just enough to feel the catch in her breath. To remind myself she wanted this. Wantedme. Even when she shouldn’t. “That’s my condition,belle.”

“Deal.” She laughed, a delighted sound that hit me square in the gut, sharp and unexpected. “I thought I’d have to fight you on it,” she admitted, eyes dancing with surprise.

“You wanted me to say no?” I arched a brow, watching her closely.