Page 4 of Playing with Fire

Ro quickly finished her remaining food and tidied up after a few minutes. I picked the movie as Lily instructed her to get into her pajamas.

Of course, I chose her favourite. Tangled.

"Yay! Yay! Tangled!" she squealed, running into the living room.

I noticed her landing on the couch while I switched off the lights. I moved to sit at the end of the couch and rested my elbow on the armrest.

She snuggled close to me as usual while we enjoyed the film together. Maddox ran to my feet and positioned himself down. When we reached the one-hour mark of the movie Ro recited her familiar line.

"Flynn is so cute. I'm marrying Flynn when I'm older." Her head moved onto my shoulder as she let out a yawn.

Her comment made me giggle and I lifted her onto my lap. She placed her head beneath my chin and fell asleep before the credits ended.

I switched off the television and lifted her into my arms. I walked upstairs with her before laying her in her bed and then tucked the covers around her.

I yawned while softly closing her door after turning off the light. My phone told me that it was almost ten o'clock.

I went downstairs where I put on my shoes. Movement came from the kitchen, so I decided to investigate.

The kitchen held Lily who remained awake next to the counter. "You're still awake?" I asked.

She explained she struggles to fall asleep when her children remain outside.

I gave a slight nod because I comprehended her situation. "Well, I'm gonna go. It was nice hanging out here." I sighed.

"Goodnight, Em."

"Night Lily."

I opened the door without hesitation yet I almost gagged the moment I did.

"Ew. Get a room." My eyes rolled when the blonde woman walked away from him.

She scowled at me but my face remained completely expressionless. The number of times this has occurred has surpassed my ability to care.

"Who the hell are you?" She questions while shifting her gaze between Jaxon and me.

"Trust me. No one of concern." I let out a soft chuckle before I pushed through them to cross the street.

As I opened my front door I remained aware of people staring at me.

But again, I didn't care.

CHAPTER TWO

As I reach the pool's edge I feel every gaze fixed on me. Several people reach for their phones and begin filming.

I navigate through the crowd at the pool's edge and look back to see their positions. They trail me by a few steps but their athletic ability makes it seem like no distance at all.

I must have lost focus during the turn because I ended up skidding to a halt when I looked back. Jaxon was right in front of me.

How could I miss him behind me?

Shit. Shit. Shit.

As I took a step back I whispered the word to myself. He approached me and I understood that I had no possible response.

I couldn't go anywhere since the other two followed me from behind.

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