Page 222 of Unravelling The Beast

“You were kissing—”

I gulp before returning my eyes to his, and I give him a soft smile. Just as I am about to respond, Arlo walks back inside, capturing both of our attention.

“One hour, Cree, and we’ll take you to see Grandma for the afternoon.”

Cree’s face lights up as he leaps from the couch and sprints to him. Arlo crouches down and catches him before lifting him in his arms.

“Thank you, Daddy!”

Arlo gives him a soft smile.

“No problem, but it’s just for the afternoon, okay? I’ll come and collect you later.”

Soon it’s time to drop Cree off at Arlo’s mom’s house and we head outside to get into his car. As I begin to strap Cree into his car seat, I begin to wonder why Arlo placed a large black bag in the trunk, but I don’t ask.

After a short drive, we’re outside the mansion, and Arlo cuts off the engine before looking across to me.

“I’ll be two minutes.”

I give him an uneasy nod, wondering why he doesn’t want me to come with them, and I watch as he opens his car door.

“Say bye to Wren, Cree.”

Cree shouts with excitement in his cute voice.

“Bye, Wren!”

As Arlo closes the door behind him, I cast a glance over my shoulder and give Cree a wide smile.

“Have lots of fun! I want to hear all about it later."

He smiles as he is lifted out of his car seat, and as the backdoor closes, I watch through the tinted window as Arlo carries him toward the front door.

Cree wriggles out of my arms and rushes into my mom’s knees as soon as she opens the door.

“Cree!”

Uncomfortably watching them, I slide my hands into the front pockets of my jeans.

Cree’s big, lit-up eyes look up at her as he speaks.

“I missed you!”

Her eyes soften as she responds.

“I missed you too, Cree.”

My mom then looks up at me once they are done with their reunion, and then she stands tall as we stare at each other.

“Thanks for bringing him.”

I give a slight nod before looking away, and out of the corner of my eyes, I see her look down at Cree once more.

“Cree, go inside; there’s a gift for you in the living room. I’ll meet you there, as I just need to speak to Daddy.”

I hug Cree before watching him skip inside the house, and then I straighten my shoulders before staring down at my mom.

I shrug with my hands in my pockets as I speak, my tone flat.

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