I can't help but grin as I move toward the fireplace, trying to ignore the slick heat between my legs. "This I have to see. Big bad Beast in diapers?"
He follows, resigned. "Not quite that far back, thankfully."
The mantelpiece holds a collection of framed photos. Beast as a serious-looking boy in a Little League uniform. Beast as a teenager with longer hair, standing awkwardly in a suit at what looks like a school dance. Beast in military dress blues, looking impossibly young and already massive in build.
"How old were you here?" I ask, pointing to the military photo.
"Eighteen," he says, standing close enough that I can feel the heat coming from his body. "Joined right out of high school."
The same age Tank was when he left me alone with our father, I think bitterly. While my brother was finding brotherhood in themilitary, I was dodging our father's drunken rages and hiding bruises at school.
I pick up another frame. Beast around ten years old, gap-toothed and grinning, his arm around his mother. It's the most carefree I've ever seen him look.
"You were a cute kid," I say softly.
He makes a grunting noise, but I notice his eyes linger on the photo. "Mom worked two jobs back then. I didn't see her much except on Sundays."
"That must have been hard."
"She did what she had to do." His voice is matter-of-fact, but there's a undercurrent of pride. "Never complained, never made me feel like I was a burden, even though I know I was."
"I doubt she saw it that way," I say, replacing the frame.
"Dinner's ready!" Elaine calls before Beast can respond.
He places his hand on my back, guiding me toward the dining room. I remind myself this is all for show, but my body isn't getting the message.
The dining room continues the homey feel of the rest of the house, with a wooden table set for three. A mouthwatering pot roast sits in the center, surrounded by roasted vegetables and what looks like homemade rolls.
"Everything looks amazing, Mrs. Murphy," I say as Beast pulls out a chair for me.
"Oh, please call me Elaine," she says, bringing in a gravy boat from the kitchen. "Mrs. Murphy makes me feel ancient."
Beast sits beside me, close enough that our elbows touch when he reaches for his napkin. The table isn't that small. He'schoosing to sit this close. For authenticity, I remind myself. Nothing more.
"I’ve heard you’re working at the daycare center?" Elaine asks as she serves me a generous portion of pot roast.
"Yes, I just started this week. I'm working with the three-year-olds," I answer, accepting the plate with thanks.
"She's great with kids," Beast interjects, surprising me. "Anna, that's Amelia's daughter, she took to Jenny right away."
I turn to him, "She's a sweet girl."
"And before Blackwater Falls?" Elaine asks, passing the vegetables. "Derek mentioned you came with a friend?"
I nod, taking a sip of water to gather my thoughts. "I was working at a daycare in Riverbrook. Amelia needed to escape her abusive ex-husband, and I knew my brother was here with the Savage Riders, so we came seeking protection."
"Terrible business, that," Elaine clucks. "How that man became a police officer, I'll never understand. You were brave to help your friend escape."
I blink, surprised she knows the details. "Beast told you about that?"
"Derek tells me most things," she says with a pointed look at her son. "Though he neglected to mention he was seeing anyone until yesterday."
Beast shifts in his chair. "Like I said, it's new."
"We met when I arrived with Amelia last week," I add, sticking to our agreed-upon story. "We just... hit it off."
"Love at first sight?" Elaine presses, clearly delighted by the idea.
