Page 18 of B is for Beast of Dean

Heath's eyes searched my face, and I felt heat rise in my cheeks under his scrutiny. Could he see the change in me? Could he sense the confusion of feelings I was struggling to understand?

"You could have returned to the farm once you knew I was alive," he said. "Your absence will be noticed."

"Let it be noticed," I said. "You needed care."

"Thank you," he said quietly, his gaze soft. "For everything. For finding me, for staying. I don't know how to repay such kindness."

"You don't need to repay anything," I said firmly. "I wanted to be here."

The admission hung between us, more honest than I had intended. Heath's hand moved slightly on the blanket as if he wanted to reach for mine.

"Alice," he began, then stopped, seeming to struggle with his words.

"What is it?"

"I just..." He paused, his gaze dropping to his hands. "I never expected anyone to care whether I lived or died. To have someone risk so much for me... it means more than you could know."

The quiet vulnerability in his voice made my chest ache. Without thinking, I reached out and covered his hand with mine. His coarse hair was ticklish on my palm and I found I liked it.

"You're not alone anymore," I said softly.

Heath's eyes met mine again, and I saw something in their depths that made my breath catch. A longing so profound it was almost painful to see.

"I should let you rest," I said, suddenly aware of how intimate the moment had become. I slowly pulled away. "And I should return to the farm before they send someone looking for me."

Heath nodded, but I thought I saw disappointment flicker across his features. "Of course. You've already risked too much."

I stood, smoothing my rumpled clothes. I needed to go, but I hesitated. "Will you be all right? The wound needs to be kept clean, and if the fever returns..."

"I'll manage," Heath assured me. "I've tended my injuries before."

"I could come back," I blurted. "Tomorrow. To check on your recovery."

Heath's expression brightened. "If you think it's safe. I would... I would like that."

I gathered my things, tucking the book of poetry back onto his shelf. At the cottage door, I paused and looked back at him. He was watching me with those warm, amber eyes, and something in his gaze made my heart flutter strangely.

"Rest well, Heath," I said.

"Alice," he called softly as I reached for the door latch. "Be careful. And thank you. For everything."

I smiled, feeling that unfamiliar warmth bloom in my chest again. "Until tomorrow."

As I stepped out into the misty forest, I realized that something fundamental had shifted between us during the long night. Whatever these feelings were that I could not quite name, they were only growing stronger.

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