Belle's body trembled at his words, an unwelcome warmth pooling within her as her thoughts betrayed her resolve. A small part of her, buried deep, wanted to experience the memories he painted so vividly. But "eating her up"? What could he possibly mean by that?
"I am not interested in anything of the sort. Release me at once," she demanded, forcing away the sinful imaginings his words had stirred. She resumed pushing against his chest, though her strength seemed to wane.
"It was my failure, Belle, for not making you feel like a woman," Quinn murmured, his voice dripping with sensuality. "I acknowledge my faults and seek to correct them now."
He leaned closer, his lips brushing the delicate skin behind her ear as he continued in a low, seductive tone, "Imagine my tongue teasing your tender peaks, my fingers exploring your very core, driving you mad. Do you not long for my warm lips to taste you there? Do you not crave the delightful ache, the heat, the wetness only I can give you?"
His words, like a spell, seeped into her mind, and unbidden images began to take form. She had never experienced the things he described. Their past encounters had been hurried and passionless, devoid of the sensations he now promised. Why, if such things existed, had he never given them to her before?
"I have the King for that," she blurted out, unaware of the sting her words would cause.
Quinn's gaze darkened instantly. Without warning, his hand descended on her backside in a sharp spank that made her gasp.
"Think the King can make you feel this?" He asked, delivering another swift, stinging spank that elicited an unintentional moan from her lips. His fingers trailed dangerously close to her most vulnerable place, teasing her mercilessly before stopping just close to reaching it.
"Belle!" Before Quinn could proceed further, Mia burst into the tent, her voice sharp and full of fury. She stormed toward the bed, shoving Quinn away from Belle with surprising force.
"You vile scoundrel! How dare you lay your hands on her?" Mia shouted, placing herself protectively in front of Belle.
Quinn, instead of retaliating, merely smiled, his composure unshaken. "A baseless accusation," he said smoothly, gesturing to his bandaged wounds. "It was she who laid hands upon me, as you can see."
Mia glanced back at Belle, her expression questioning.
"Let's just leave," Belle interjected hastily, pulling Mia toward the exit before the situation could escalate further.
Once the two were outside, Quinn ran his hand through his hair in frustration and called one of his men.
"Provide them a carriage and ensure you do not lose sight of her for even a moment," he ordered curtly. The man bowed and left to carry out his instructions.
"Did he violate you?" Mia asked Belle with concern, her sharp eyes scanning her friend for any sign of harm. Guilt washed over her for having encouraged Belle to engage with him in the first place.
"No, he did nothing of the sort," Belle lied smoothly, unwilling to disclose the humiliating truth of the spanking. "He only sought to intimidate me, as you warned he might. It was nothing."
Mia frowned, her guilt clear. "I should not have advised you to test him. Avoid him at all costs, Belle. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you."
Belle offered her a faint smile. "Do not worry. In truth, your plan appears to be working. He is not as overbearing as before. He even listens to me now."
Her thoughts, however, wandered elsewhere. There was something peculiar about Quinn's relationship with Sofia. Despite her disdain for him, she could not help but feel a prickle of curiosity. What truly lies between them?
The Quinn she had seen with Sofia a year ago had been an entirely different man, treating her with utmost adoration, as though she were gold itself. Back then, he didn't even believe Belle's protests of innocence when Sofia was poisoned and had been moments away from sentencing her to death, if not for Mia's timely intervention. How was the same man presently indulging her?
"If you say so, but do let me know if you require my assistance," Mia said with a sigh of relief, pleased that nothing truly dire had occurred. It was a comfort to see Belle smile again, it had been far too long since she had seen her genuinely happy.
"I want to match his energy…NO! I want to surpass it," Belle declared, a glint of determination in her eyes. "I want to be more intimidating than he is. Do you have any ideas?"
Mia raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet cautious. "Oh, I have many ideas. But are you certain about this? You might find yourself swayed along the way. Things could spiral out of control if neither of you manages to rein it in. And with your mating day with the King so near, this could complicate matters."
Belle's gaze did not falter. "The King and I have an arrangement. It is a loveless contract. As long as I do not sleep with Quinn, nothing will come of it. I am sure of it, Mia."
Mia sighed, resigned to Belle's determination. "If you are truly set on this, then so be it. I will map out some strategies tonight, and we can review them together tomorrow."
Belle offered a small nod of gratitude. "Thank you, Mia."
As the conversation waned, Belle suddenly glanced around, noticing someone's absence. "Where is…" she began, only to halt mid-sentence as she spotted Aurora running toward them.
"Belle! Are you all right?" Aurora called out, waving her arms frantically as she closed the distance between them.
The three women met at a point, embracing tightly.
"I am fine," Belle reassured her. "But we should get going before Maddie starts to worry."
Together, they headed to the entrance, where a carriage awaited them.
Aurora, assuming it to be the King's carriage, led the group inside. Soon, they were on their way back to the castle.
"Erm, Aurora," Belle began cautiously as the carriage rattled along, "please don't tell Maddie or the King about what happened today. It would be best not to trouble them."
Aurora smirked, nudging Belle lightly on the shoulder. "It's only a matter of time before they learn the truth."
"Perhaps, but not today. Just for now, let's keep it between us," Belle urged.
Aurora relented with a grin. "Very well, anything for the future mother of my nephew."
Belle laughed softly, touched by Aurora's support.
Suddenly, the carriage jolted violently. Before they could react, it began rolling down the mountain. The women were tossed about within, their arms and hands striking against the walls of the carriage. At last, it came to a jarring halt.
"Ahh!" Aurora cried out, struggling to her feet and climbing out of the wreck. She quickly helped Mia and Belle to safety.
"What just happened? Where is the coachman?" Aurora asked, her voice trembling with alarm as she scanned the surroundings. They found themselves deep within a shadowy forest, far from the road.
Belle's face darkened as realization dawned. "We have been deceived."