Page 65 of Awakening the Beast
I stare down at her, those eyes that always seem to see right through me. Without a word, I slip my hands around the back of her thighs, lifting her effortlessly. She wraps her legs around me as I hold her close, her naked body pressed against mine.
“No,” I reply, my voice softer now. “I think we could use some family time. The sun’s shining, so let’s do something with the kids.”
Her eyes light up, the old Wren shining through, a spark of the woman I fell in love with. She leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips as I carry her toward the bathroom.
“Let’s get ourselves sorted, then head back home,” I add. “Everything else can fucking wait.”
Entering our mansion, I stumble inside with a searing pain to my ass as Arlo smacks it hard. I whirl around to face him, stepping backward and he gives me a wicked smirk while walking forward. Arlo’s eyes move to the stairs behind me, and I turn around, noticing Lily, cradling Lumi in her arms, seemingly not long woken up, with Cree beside her, home already. I smile, and Arlo strolls past me, heading straight for the kids.
He gives Cree a kiss then takes Lumi from her, lifting her into the air with a big smile on his face, which she returns. My heart clenches at the sight, filling with warmth and love. Jasper follows down the stairs from behind, yawning, and shirtless and I step forward and crouch in front of Cree.
“Me and Daddy are taking the day off. We’re taking you and Lumi to the beach for the day.” I say with a modest smile and his eyes brighten up, the excitement clear.
I glance up and Lily and Jasper, “You guys should come.” I suggest.
Jasper and Lily glance at one another briefly before looking at me and I start to sense the unease, wondering if Jasper finally told her about being an Elite.
“Oh, yes, please come!” Cree pleads, looking at them with expectant eyes.
I gently stand, watching between them as they reluctantly give a small nod in agreement.
“Good,” I say with a smile. “Go and collect your things and we will meet up in around one hour.”
As they walk away, me and Arlo look at one another, both thinking the same thing. As he carries Lumi, he follows me up the stairs and we head to the bedrooms to get everything ready and packed.
I head into the bedroom after getting into a red two-piece swimming outfit, throwing my hair into a messy bun atop my head. I see Arlo instantly turning a black snapback on his head backward, his curly brown hair peeking through the front. My eyes briefly wander over his toned body, black shorts hang low on his hips. He slides on a white, short sleeve cotton shirt, leaving it unbuttoned, paired with a pair of white sneakers.
His dark eyes meet mine before they trail over me, hot and laser focusing on my tits.
“You need to wear red for me more often,” he growls.
I shake my head with a smile as I lift my short summer dress off the bed and pull it on my body. Lumi lies in the centre of the big bed, kicking around in her little floral, white, and pink dress we picked for her, little white shoes to match. She has her summer hat scrunched tightly in her fists, trying to eat it.
“What made you want to do this today?” I ask, curiously, not looking at him since I am adjusting my dress.
When I lift my head, he slides on his sunglasses and casually shrugs his broad shoulders, “Why the fuck not? When was the last time we actually went out as a family?”
I breathe out a heavy breath, looking away, “We haven’t. Not yet anyway.”
“Yeah, well that’s about to change,” he continues. “Family first. The business is not as important.”
I raise an eyebrow at his change in attitude, studying him carefully before I stride in his direction. When I stop in front of him, my eyes move up his firm chest before they lock onto his.
“Where is Arlo Hayes and what have you done with that workaholic?” I smirk.
He snickers, leaning down, pressing a firm kiss to my forehead. He completely ignores my teasing and walks around me, and I turn my head, watching as he scoops Lumi up.
“Look at you, my little princess. Who wouldn’t want to dump work for this pretty little girl.” He says, completely smitten with his daughter.
“You need to stop doing that. You’re making my ovaries twitch.”
A small smile tics on his lips as he adjusts her dress, “Did you hear that, Lumi. Mommy wants to give you another sibling already.”
I roll my eyes with a grin as I turn around, folding my arms across my chest. I walk forward until I am standing beside him.
“Can you blame me when you’re such a damn good father.” I expression, moving my palm up his strong back.
He turns his head, looking down at me, taking a moment to think about how to respond, “So, it’s not the fact that you like daddy’s, big fat…”
