Page 8 of Unravelling The Beast

After a while of stillness, my eyes wander up his tall frame to see him already intensely looking down at me, examining my facial features.

I can’t help but do the same with him, and I notice that he has silky smooth skin with a hint of stubble appearing on his chin. He has a silver nose ring, small hooped earrings to match, and dark brown eyes that are practically black.

I've never found a man like him attractive before, but it's not just the way he looks. I'm feeling drawn to him in an unusual way that I can't explain.

When my body becomes overwhelmed with anxiety, I try to brush it away by quickly holding out my hand with a slight smile on my face to ease the tension.

"Nice to meet you, Mr Hayes. I’m Wren Edwardz"

He glances down at my outstretched hand for a moment before clearly rejecting it and turning his attention to Sara, who is standing opposite him.

She now appears nervous and speaks rashly.

"Cree really likes her."

When Sara briefly looks at me, I give her a humble smile and place my unshaken hand beside me before he suddenly speaks, catching my attention.

"Does he now?"

His deep, smooth New York accent echoes over the huge, dark space surrounding us, and I quickly recognize that his tone is arrogant.

Sara narrows her eyes, clearly becoming irritated with him.

"Yes, he does; will you not say hello to her?"

I side-eye him as I see him stand straighter and place his tattooed hands in his pants pockets.

When he remains silent, she sighs, rolling her eyes, before giving me an apologetic smile.

"So, friday?"

Just as I'm ready to say something, Arlo cuts me off in an icy, chilling tone.

"Choose someone else, Sara."

I swiftly look up at him, but his attention is fixed on his sister.

"Arlo, you're not doing this. She's perfect for him, and she's the one we need. I'm sure of it!"

My eyes shift to Sara, who is now glaring up at her brother, before I watch between them as they proceed to have an intense stare-off.

I become confused and uncomfortable with what is going on here, so I speak out.

“I can leave if you want."

As soon as the words come out, Arlo's eyes collide with mine, but Sara speaks out first.

"No!"

His gaze sweeps over my face for a moment, narrowing now and then, before he responds sharply.

"Yes."

Sara now begins to plead with him.

"No, Arlo!"

She literally shouts at him at that time, and he pulls his cold eyes away from mine to stare down at her again.

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