Page 144 of Unravelling The Beast

"Don't go get yourself fucking killed.When everything is all said and done, you will have complete control of New York's underworld, and you know what that means, don't you?"

I turn and glance over my shoulder at her.

"You won't be known as ‘The Skinner' anymore, and you won't have to throw your weight around. You'll be more focused on business. You must restrain part of your rage because you will have people looking up to you who must not only fear but also respect you."

I pause for a split second to consider what she said before nodding and walking out.

I'm standing in front of my bedroom window, watching the sunset. The sky is filled with beautiful orange and violet hues. I cast a downward glance at the black car with tinted windows that has been parked at the front of my house all day.

It has to be the man Arlo sent. I haven't heard anything from him all day, and I'm curious what he's been up to. I'm wondering if he's okay and if he's figured this out yet. I just want to go home since I don't like being here by myself. It's driving me insane that I'm not with Arlo and Cree.

Suddenly, a text message emerges on my phone, which is on my bed, and I glance back over my shoulder before walking towards it.

When I have grabbed it, I sit at the foot of the bed before opening the message from Arlo.

"Put on a sexy dress for me; we're going out tonight."

I bite my lower lip unnervingly, fearful that his dad is out there somewhere, waiting to see us together before I reply.

"Do you think that's a good idea?What if your dad finds out I'm with you?"

He answers immediately.

"He's not in the city; he's in Mexico.Also, I don't give a fuck."

Before I respond again, I take a nervous breath and have a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"I'm not sure, Arlo."

He finally texts back after a minute or so.

"7pm."

I check the time and see that I still have a while before rolling my eyes and tossing my phone onto the bed.

I get to my feet and proceed to my bathroom to take a shower. When I step into the water, I begin to reflect on everything I've been thinking about all day. I try to unwind by telling myself that I'll be with Arlo and that he will protect me no matter what.

I get out of the shower, blow dry my hair and style it into beach wave curls before applying make-up and going into my closet to pick something to wear. I go with a pale blue short dress and matching heels.

I spritz myself with my favorite perfume and double-check myself in the mirror, ruffling my fingers throughout my long, dark hair, before exiting the bedroom with my phone and bag.

I head downstairs to the kitchen, where I pour myself a huge glass of red wine and gulp it down. attempting to calm the overwhelming nerves that are rising up inside of me.

What if he takes me somewhere Cash and Savannah could be? I don't think I could go through all of that again.

A loud knock on the front door startles my body. I set my drink down and carefully make my way to it, but as I get closer, there's another loud bang, and I begin to think it's not Arlo, so I freeze.

"Wren, it's me. Open the fuck up."

When I hear Arlo’s voice, my body relaxes and I swiftly open the door wide. He's leaning against the doorframe, a cigarette hanging from his lips. He's dressed in a black and gold printed shirt that's fully buttoned down, revealing his beautifully tattooed torso, tight black pants and black glossy shoes.

As I scan him from head to toe, taking him in, he does the same to me, and when our eyes finally meet quickly, I can see the intensity in his, causing my heart to skip a beat.

The sexual tension between us is already buzzing, and he takes his cigarette out of his lips before flicking it away, his piercing stare fixed on mine the entire time.

He raises himself off the doorframe and takes a slow step forward, leading me to take steps back.

He closes the door with his foot after he is completely inside before proceeding towards me. We maintain eye contact until my ass hits the couch behind me, forcing me to stop, and he continues until he is entirely in my space as I gaze up at him.

---