“Aren’ you upset you missed it?”
“No, it’s getting boring winning all the games,” she snickers.
“That’s because you throw a fit if you don’t win. I’m going to take a wild guess and say that everyone’s been letting you win.”
Aria gasps. “No! Those little fuckers, when I get my hands on them, they’ll regret it.”
“So dramatic,” I roll my eyes. “But let’s hurry up, I don’t want to keep Blair waiting.”
“You’re so whipped it’s insane,” she teases, walking alongside me.
“Can you blame me?”
“No, not really. Blair’s amazing.”
FIVE
The little apartment Arlo and I have been hiding in is… well… small. It’s cozy enough, and truth be told, I can’t wait for us to return to his penthouse. I’m missing that place more and more with each passing day. It’s maybe the fact that back then, life was much easier. We didn’t know the things that were going to hit us unlike anything before, nor that it was going to get ten times more difficult to even breathe, let alone live.
The front door opens, and Arlo strolls inside. I turn around to look at him, just as he’s taking off his coat, putting it on the hanger, and removing his wrist-watch.
“You’re home.”
He smiles, tossing his shoes to the side and approaching me. He’s in front of me within seconds, kissing my forehead. “I’m home, Butterfly.”
His scent hits me instantly, my arms wrapping around his waist of their own accord. The sense of safety overwhelms me, and I relax in his embrace. It’s warm, like the first ray of sunshine during spring.
“How are they doing?”
He sighs, taking my hand in his and leading me to the bedroom. He slumps into the soft mattress, pulling me to lay on top of him, on his chest. “Mom’s state remains unchanged. I’m yet to determine whether that’s good or bad. As for Dad, well… he’s managing.”
His fingers thread through my hair, the action making goosebumps rise on my skin.
“How does he look?”
“Like shit,” Arlo snorts. “But overall, he’s hanging in there, somehow. He knows it’s where he’s supposed to be right now.”
“Arlo…”
“Yes, Butterfly?”
I look up at him, propping my chin on his chest. “We need to start this. I’m tired of everyone waiting for me to grow the balls to hit the start button. So, I’m pressing it now.”
“Are you sure?”
His face tells me absolutely nothing. His eyes are usually the most expressive part of him, yet now, I cannot read a single fucking emotion on his beautiful face.
“Yes,” I swallow a knot. “I want to be finished with all of this.”
“Good,” he kisses my forehead. “Any idea where you’d like to start?”
“If we get the mole, that’s half the work done because then we’d be able to know if it’s one person, or more. If it’s one, fantastic. If it’s more, we at least know where to look. And with your methods, I’m sure the person will sing.”
“Good.”
“We’ll leave the jury members and the judge for the end. That’ll be the last part of this.”
“Whatever you wish for, I’ll make it happen, Butterfly.”
