Page 35 of Beast: Part Two

“I was until twiddle dee and twiddle dumb walked in asking stupid ass questions.”

I’m finding out that twiddle dee and twiddle dumb are Ari and Many. Although Ari seems harmless, her boyfriend is a bit odd with that whole three voice thing. Fem says that he’s harmless. Brooklyn says he’s crazy and nobody wants to take her concerns seriously.

“About that,” I announce to the room. “Sorry about my son forcing you guys to watchMarvelall day. He kind of gets fixated on things.”

“Don’t apologize for that,” Priest says sternly.

“What grumpy father time means,” Brooklyn says getting my attention. “Is that we don’t mind watching those movies with Gabe. It beats the hell out of the shit Ari had us watching.”

“Please don’t mention it,” Malia says holding up a hand. “I’m still traumatized.” Brooklyn, Fem, and I chuckle at the face Malia makes.

“You know it’s really hard for me to focus when all of you are talking?” Lucien says glaring at all of us.

“Still no luck on Pope’s encryption,” Priest asks.

Lucien takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. “No.”

Malia plates the sandwich she just made and takes it over to Lucien. She moves the laptop from in front of him to the side before placing the sandwich down in its place.

“Babe, I have to work,” he complains.

“Eat first. That file can wait a few minutes.”

She turns to walk away but he wraps an arm around her and pulls her into his lap. She giggles as he places kisses all over her neck and face. I smile at the interaction as I turn away.

Although my love life is in shambles, I enjoyed watching people love each other. However, being surrounded by so many loving couples does sting a little right now.

My thoughts go back to Gabriel. The look on his face this morning when I told him I was wearing Sim’s shirts stood out to me. Even though I’m mad and hurt by his decision to call it off between the two of us, I didn’t like the idea of him being upset.

Malia comes back over to the island to clean up the mess she made with the sandwich. Ms. Reese walks into the kitchen with Charlie on her hip.

“Malia, let Seth know I placed that order for him,” Ms. Reese says handing Charlie over to Fem.

“I’ll let him know,” Malia hums.

“Can ask you a question?” I lower my voice in hopes only Malia can hear.

“Sure,” she says as she reties the bread bag.

“Do Lucien and Seth get along?”

Malia quirks a brow at me.

I rush out my next words, not wanting to offend her. “I’m just asking because I never see them with you at the same time.”

She tosses her head back and laughs. I notice the others at the island join her.

“What am I missing?” I ask glancing around at their amused faces.

“Sweetie, Beast didn’t tell you? Lucien and Seth are the same person.” Brooklyn chuckles.

My jaw damn near unhinges, it opens so wide. A feather could knock me on my ass. I would have never guessed that. I mean, they are identical, but they give off two completely different vibes. Not to mention one wears glasses and the other doesn’t. Plus, the tattoos are different.

“Lucien has a split personality disorder,” Malia explains pushing her hair behind her ear. “But I assure you he’s safe and will cause no harm to you or Gabe.”

I wave off her concerns. Has she met my child’s father?

“No, no need to explain. I’m just….” I pause trying to find the right words to express my shock. “So, it’s like a two for one special?”

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