Page 264 of Unravelling The Beast

The room is bright—a touch too bright—as I slowly open my eyes with tiredness. The light reflects off the white walls, and I feel warm arms engulf me and hug me from behind.

I snuggle back into the warm skin and sigh, enjoying the sensation. A light kiss is given to my cheek as I sense movement, and I grin as I lean into his soft, warm lips before raising my hand and placing it on his cheek.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

As I roll onto my back, Arlo smiles broadly, his eyes scanning my face as he looks down at me. I return his smile as he slowly lowers his head before placing my lips on his, and my eyes close as I slide my hand up the side of his tattooed neck.

He shifts, moving between my naked legs, bringing the white, thin sheet over his head and covering us with a big, gorgeous smile on his face.

I giggle as he hovers above me, softly bringing his big hand to my throat before stroking his palm down my chest and observing the movement.

My skin tingles where his hand goes, and as his dark eyes meet mine, he smirks with a gleam in them.

“You are so fucking beautiful, and I'm so proud to call you mine.”

My face falls instantly at his familiar words and his smile dissolves while he stares at me solemnly, tears welling up in his eyes.

“You need to let me go.”

As tears fall down his face, they turn scarlet with blood and trickle onto my skin beneath him.

Panic sets in, tears fill my eyes, and I start to breathe erratically.

“This is how it ends for me, baby.”

When his face begins to melt before my eyes, I scream.

I sit up, my eyes wide open as I gasp for oxygen, sweat glistening on my skin, and my heart pounding against my chest. When I realize he isn't actually here and that it was just a nightmare, a tear slips from my eye and runs down my cheek.

The room is dark—so dark that I can only see the light shining through the cracks of the door and the curtains. I flop back onto the bed and stare up into the blackness, seeking to calm my racing heart and rapid breathing.

As my chest aches, I roll onto my side, tears streaming from my eyes, feeling yet another day of emptiness. A little knock comes on the door, and I hastily wipe my tears away before answering.

“Come in.”

The door handle is pushed down, and the light from the hallway temporarily blinds my sensitive eyes, but as they focus, I spot Cree strolling in. As he rubs his eyes and approaches the bed, I lift my head, a soft smile creeping across my lips.

“Hey baby, sleep well?”

He starts climbing the bed, and I reach over to assist him until he is lying alongside me, facing me.

We exchange glances while he remains silent, and I gently stroke his curly brown hair.

“What's wrong?”

“I miss Daddy.”

I fight back tears, my heart crumbling, but I put on a brave face and speak softly.

“Me too, sweetheart, but remember what I said: he will always be with us.”

“I want him here. I want a cuddle.”

A sob rises in my throat, but I force it back down before extending my arm.

“Come here; I'll give you a cuddle for him.”

He wriggles over to me, burrows his face in my chest, and I lock my arms around him, bringing him close and kissing the top of his head before I speak with trembling lips.

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