Page 80 of Carnal: The Beast Who Loved Me

“Why?” She gave him a confused look. “Not that I’m not glad you’re here, but from a purely clinical and objective standpoint, why have you stayed?”

“I’m not sure my answers would make sense.”

“Tell me anyway.”

“I like working at the Commons. I like living in your parents’ house. I like the way Charming treats me like a sister. I like Dandelion. I like that your father listens to my ideas and gives me respect.”

Carnal pulled her to a stop again and lifted her chin so that she had to look at him. “I didn’t hear anything in there about me.”

“I didn’t either.”

“Tell me. Am I part of the reason why you’ve stayed?”

Rosie hesitated because she knew any response that could be construed as affirmative would be a commitment of sorts, because Carnal was putting on the full court press, whether he knew what that was or not. Still, if she said no it would be a lie and he’d know it.

“Maybe.”

He gave her a look of mock annoyance, but let it pass. Taking her hand he said nothing more as they climbed up a craggy hill to a grass promontory that overlooked the training grounds. They could watch the activities without anyone on the field below even knowing they were there.

Carnal sat down on the grass and motioned to the spot beside him.

“What? No picnic blanket?” she asked.

“The grass is clean and dry. The ground is soft. Sometimes nature offers the best stuff. Sit.”

“Bossy.” She sat down leaving a reasonable personal space distance between them.

“I want to know everything.”

“What do you mean? And where did that come from?”

“I want to know everything about you that I don’t already know and we’re not leaving here until I do.”

“That could be a long time.”

“Not if you’re just fourteen months old.”

She laughed. “Well, you’ve got me there.” Regarding him quizzically, she said, “Am I under investigation?”

“What?” It was his turn to look confused.

“Do you think I’m a spy? For humans. A human spy.”

After giving her a look that indicated doubt about her sanity, he answered in a tone that leftnodoubt he found the question incredulous.

“No, Rosie. I do not think you are a spy for humans or a human spy. I don’t even think you’re human.”

She scrunched up her nose. “Well, you have a point there.”

“So let me get this straight. You can’t tell if I’m lying, can you?”

She hedged. “Not, um, conclusively, as you seem to be able to do.”

He grinned slowly. “So there’s something I can do better than you, little demon.”

“Oh! There are plenty of things you can do better,” she blurted.

“Really?” He scooted closer. “Like what?”