beast chapter 9

“You’re accepting the mission? That’s unexpected. I assumed you’d refuse.”

“There must be another way to unlock these chains…” Her knuckles were white as she gripped the key, her cheeks flushed with a touch of embarrassment as she meticulously examined the chains. Beelzebub chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes.

“Oh, innocent girl. You think that key will unlock the remaining chains?”

“I’ll examine the chains directly and search for the keyhole. My hands might touch your body in the process. Please tell me if you feel uncomfortable or if it displeases you.” If she couldn’t find the keyhole by sight, she’d have no choice but to search by touch. It would be uncomfortable for him to be touched while bound, but she truly had no other option…

“Displeased? Having such a lovely young woman caress my body would be an honor.”

It seemed she was the only one uncomfortable with this situation. Ariette took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. Being so close to a body that seemed the epitome of physical perfection made her acutely aware of his presence.

It’s a statue, just a statue… She repeated the mantra to herself, trying to hypnotize her own mind, then cautiously reached for the chain, her fingers carefully tracing its surface. Each accidental brush against his smooth skin made her flinch, but he seemed utterly unfazed. His nonchalance allowed her to focus on the task at hand.

Among the interwoven chains, only one remained unchecked. As she reached for it, a warm breath tickled her ear and neck. Ariette instinctively looked up, then recoiled sharply. Not only were his crimson eyes inches from hers, but their lips had nearly touched. Beelzebub had leaned in, his head tilted towards her neck.

As she fluttered back five steps, Beelzebub slowly licked his upper lip.

“Where are you going, my lady? There’s still a chain to examine.”

“Wh-what were you doing?”

“What do you mean?” Beelzebub tilted his head, feigning an innocent expression.

“You were about to bite my neck!”

“I was simply enjoying your delightful scent.”

“R-really? You weren’t trying to bite me?”

“If I were, wouldn’t my mouth be open? Like this—” His lips parted, revealing two forked tongues that intertwined like kissing lovers. Ariette’s blush deepened, reaching her ears. Beelzebub, as if to emphasize the point, deliberately extended his two tongues.

“You… you really do have two tongues…”

“I told you, I have two tongues and two c*cks.”

“.…”

“Double the pleasure, wouldn’t you say?” He winked, flashing his tongues once more before retracting them. “You won’t find a man as useful as me, my dear.”

Though his tongues had disappeared, the image of them writhing together remained vivid in Ariette’s mind. She shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel the image, and hardened her expression.

“Promise me you won’t do anything while I examine the chains.” Her voice was firm, conveying her willingness to leave if he misbehaved. Instead of a verbal response, Beelzebub blinked and gestured towards his right hand. His thumb and pinky were extended while the other fingers were curled, as if offering a promise.

Hesitantly, Ariette stepped closer and linked her pinky with his. Beelzebub pressed his thumb against hers, like sealing a contract.

“Our second promise.”

“So it is…”

“I intend to keep both.” His gaze softened as he looked at her. “You will too, won’t you?”

“…Yes.”

“Good.”