Shy Girls Don't Date The Beast

He's the bully at college. She's the girl hired to clean his house. Can one Christmas change everything?

My dad lost his job and we've been living off our savings while he looks for a new one. Since it's winter, our heating bills are going to skyrocket, so I decide to get a job to help out. When I find out the Thornes are looking for a part-time cleaner, I jump at the chance.

When I realise it's those Thornes, I'm terrified. The son, Craig, is one of the nastiest bullies at sixth form and he could make things very difficult for me if he wanted to.

Except he doesn't. He asks me to the Christmas ball, out of nowhere, and I'm so shocked I freeze on the spot.

I get to know him as Christmas gets closer, and soon I start to wonder if he really has changed or if I'm falling for someone who doesn't exist.

Shy Girls Don't Date The Beast is the sixth story in Tales of Topaz Coast, a series of short fairytale retellings set in a modern, magical world. Grab your favourite festive drink and enjoy the magic of Christmas in this sweet, clean story!