Page 188 of Unravelling The Beast

"Yes!"

I turn around and look at Arlo, my face puzzled.

"Isn't it a bit cold for that?"

He smirks as he slides his jacket down his muscular arms, drawing his face near to me and speaking quietly.

"Heated fucking pool, Wren."

I turn around and face Cree when he squeals behind me.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Wren, you'll join us in the pool, won't you?"

I freeze as I feel Arlo's hand discreetly on my ass and find myself unable to speak. He leans down and speaks calmly over my shoulder, his eyes fixed on Cree.

"Oh, Cree, she's coming in, because if she doesn't, I'll chuck her in fully clothed."

Cree giggles evilly at Arlo's threat, and Arlo gives my ass a small squeeze before turning his head and speaking close to my ear.

"Get into something pretty, and we'll meet you outside."

I observe as they both head towards the backyard, and I stand in the same spot, lost in thought about how it's just a matter of time before Cree realizes we're more than just nanny and boss. Arlo has been all over me recently, and he doesn't care who sees. I'm always concerned about Cree's reaction. Will he hate me for it? I certainly hope not.

I snap out of my intrusive trance and gaze down at my suitcase, where I search for a bathing suit.

I make my way upstairs to change into an appealing lime green two piece. I pull my hair up into a small bun before looking in the mirror to give myself approval.

When I return downstairs, I head straight to the massive, double-glass rear doors and stand there for a moment, my eyes scanning the light-up pool area, which I've never seen before.

The sun is setting, beautiful tones of deep blue fill the pristine sky, stars begin to glimmer, and a hue of orange fades through on the horizon.

The huge house looks out over a slew of houses down below that stretch as far as the eye can see.

My attention is drawn when I observe Arlo throwing Cree up in the air in the pool and then catching him, repeating the motions. I'm worried at first, but Cree's infectious chuckles soon have me laughing as well.

I must have caught Arlo's attention out of the corner of his eye, for he pauses from throwing Cree again and looks my way.

I give him a shy smile before his hungry eyes wander down my entire body, eye fucking every inch of me, and when they quickly find mine again, they peer into my soul, and I watch as his sharp jaw tenses as he grinds on his teeth. I can already feel the sexual tension escaping him.

This man is continuously on heat, which I don't mind. He makes me feel like the most beautiful woman on the planet. I can't get enough of the way he looks at me, touches me, and speaks to me. He is my weakness, my power, and the darkness to my light. Although he's rough around the edges, he's entirely mine, and my goodness, I've fallen madly in love with this man. In my eyes, his imperfections will always be perfect.

Cree suddenly calls out to me.

"Wren, get in!"

I break away from Arlo's focused stare to look at Cree in his arms and give him a big smile before walking towards the pool.

When I go to the pool's edge, I lower myself down before getting in, all the while feeling Arlo's attention on me.

Cree talks again, smiling at me.

"See, it's not that cold!"

We try to teach Cree how to swim with floaties on, have a splash fight, and I manage to dunk Arlo a few times while we're all in the pool together. For the first time, I feel like we're bonding as a small unit the entire time we're together.

Only a few months ago, I wouldn't have gotten even a small smirk out of Arlo, so seeing him openly laugh with Cree around me is so touching, and it shows me exactly what he is like with his son behind closed doors.

I continue to gaze in amazement at what an incredible dad he is, and you can see their love for each other. Arlo has done a fantastic job on his own while coping with grief. That is strength, and Arlo embodies it at all times. Even when he believes he is weak, he is the strongest person I've ever known, and I admire him for it.

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