Rose and the Beast

“Why do you rebuff me at every turn?” He felt no rancor just pain. “You refused my friendship, and now you decline my employ? I know I’m not repulsive to you, so tell me why you refuse me.”
Rose saw the pain of rejection in his eyes and her heart ached.
“Tell me, Miss Thatcher. I must know.”
“I-I, uh, do not wish to draw you into my troubles.”
When he took her hand, desire made her heart race and her knees go weak.
“Let us sit and perhaps I can guess what your troubles are.”
They sat, and he continued to hold her hand.
“I believe you are running and hiding from something that happened in your past, something that could have dire consequences if you are discovered.”
Rose’s eyes widened.