Page 51 of Awakening the Beast
I smile and nod, scanning at the roses with a loving expression. “Yeah, they are. Aren’t they beautiful?”
Lily lifts an eyebrow. “I didn’t think Arlo was the romantic type.”
I meet her gaze and smile gently. “He shows it in small doses.”
We both chuckle, and I check the time on my wrist, noting that I have a bit of time before I need to leave. I walk over to a largevase by the window, lift it, and carry it to the sink, filling it with water.
“So, I thought Jasper was coming here too?” I ask, glancing over my shoulder as Lily settles onto a kitchen stool.
“He will be here soon,” she replies. “He’s been working with Arlo today.”
I notice a hint of sadness in her voice, despite her trying to sound casual. So, she knows Jasper works for Arlo now, but why does she seem so down about it?
I fill the vase halfway with water and then carry it back to the island, setting it down and starting to arrange the roses inside.
“Why don’t you seem happy about it, Lil?” I ask, my tone soft but probing.
She shrugs and faces away, closing off, which raises all my red flags.
“Come on, you can talk to me.”
“I don’t know. He just seems pretty shut off right now. He’s not being himself.”
I pause, my hands stilling as I place the last rose into the vase. My brows rise but before she looks my way, I act like I am not shocked.
“In what way?” I question gently.
She shakes her head in defeat. “It’s probably all in my head.”
I can’t help but think that the Elite world is likely taking a toll on Jasper, shaping him into something unfamiliar. If Lilydoesn’t know what he does or what he’s involved in, she won’t be able to grasp the full picture.
“Maybe he’s just tired from work,” I suggest. “It’s not an easy job.”
Lily’s eyes flicker with doubt. “But it’s only finance, right? How hard can that be?”
That’s the moment I truly realize she’s not aware at all of Jasper’s role or the pressures involved. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to explain right now, so I keep my response simple. “It can be very tiring. Arlo isn’t the easiest boss to work for.”
“Yeah, maybe you’re right,” Lily accepts, though her tone is still tinged with worry.
I offer her a comforting smile and rise from the stool. “Come on, let me show you where everything is—your room, Lumi’s room—and then I really need to get going.”
After showing her around and ensuring she’s settled, I grab my handbag and slide it up my shoulder as I stand by the front door, ready to head out.
“If you need anything, just call me, and I’ll be here in an instant. Sara will drop Cree off in the morning, but me and Arlo should be home by then, hopefully.”
“Of course!” Lily responds with a supportive smile. “Now go let your hair down, girl. She’ll be fine, and Jasper will be here soon.”
I give her a warm kiss on the cheek and pull her into a tight hug. “Thanks, Lil. I really appreciate this.”
With one last look, I head out the door, feeling a fusion of excitement and anxiety about the night ahead.
I stride down the long path toward my private car, the setting sun painting the sky in vibrant shades of orange and purple. As I approach, the driver opens the rear door for me, but I catch sight of Jasper’s car entering through the gates.
I pause, glancing up at Joe. “Give me two minutes.”
He nods and closes the door as I make my way toward Jasper, who’s just parked his car from a distance. As he steps out, he offers me a small, passive smile—far from his usual cheery demeanor. I can sense the weight of Arlo’s influence on him, much like Lily had described. Every time I see him, the more I see Arlo in him a little bit more.
Jasper closes his car door and walks around to stand in front of me. “Lil is inside; I take it?”
