Page 67 of Unravelling The Beast

I throw a sidelong glance as I see him assist Cree to his feet and kiss him on the forehead.

"Be good for Grandma."

"I will. I love you."

"I love you too."

When Arlo looks back at me, our eyes connect this time, and he winks before turning away towards the front door. I smile softly to myself as I think about how I've stayed with him every single night since I've been here and how we sometimes fuck for hours.

We can't get enough of each other, but I wonder how long this will continue. What are we? Just fuck-buddies? I mean, that's a thing, right? I also sometimes think that maybe I should remove myself from the situation. I like Arlo; the man can fuck hard, but I still don't know a thing about him since he is so closed off.

I feel trapped in his grasp and unable to escape, even if I wanted to. My world has become as gloomy as this mansion and his presence. When I'm around him, I feel like I have a drug addiction, and you know what they say about drug addictions: they're destructive.

No kind of addiction is good for you, and nothing healthy ever comes from it. This was supposed to be a job, a simple job that I enjoy, but I've ended up not only fucking my boss every night, but I've also fallen into some deranged fantasy with him. I know I should have thought this through, but there's something about Arlo that I am unable to stay away from.

Cree speaks out, jolting me out of my daydream.

"Wren?"

"Yes, sweetie?"

"When will Grandma be here?"

Before responding, I quickly checked the time on my phone.

"We need to get your jacket and shoes on right away!"

I give him a big smile as I lift him up and take him over to the couch, where I put his shoes and jacket on.

The doorbell rings just as I finish.

"That must be Grandma now!"

He leaps from the couch, giddy with enthusiasm, and I trail behind him towards the door.

I smile as I open it for Arlo's mom and I rush back to the kitchen as I speak.

"Let me just grab his bag for you!"

Her and Cree follow, and when I take his bag from the counter, I turn to face them, passing the bag to her while she scans me suspiciously.

"Has he gotten all of his trains?"

"Of course. He will not leave without them. They're all in his bag."

She offers me a half-smile, which creates an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I quickly stoop down in front of Cree to avoid eye contact.

"Remember what Daddy said? Be good for Grandma, and we'll see you on Sunday, okay?"

He lunges forward, tightly wraps his arms around my neck and we embrace.

"I'll be missing you."

He answers with his face buried in the crook of my neck.

"I'll miss you, too."

As I stand, I notice Carmella observing us, and I force my gaze away from her to smile down at Cree.

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