Chapter 5

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.”

“As for Simmons…”

I pause for a moment, then sit up. I’m straddling Arlo’s lap, and his hands are immediately on my hips, stroking the sides with his thumbs in soft circles. “Yes?”

“I want a public execution.”

Arlo’s eyes widen in shock. Or is it amazement? I can’t tell. His head lifts a little, his eyes widening a fraction. It’s barely noticeable to anyone else, but I know everything there is to know about him, and I can see the little signs. He’s listening to me, alright.

“I beg your finest pardon?” he says with a layer of calm, I just know he isn’t feeling.

“A public execution.”

“As in, in public?”

“Yes, that’s what public execution means.” I reply sarcastically.

He takes a deep breath and replies, “I’m sorry, I think my brain just short-circuited for a moment. Go on.”

“I want to lure him to a very public place, like… I don’t know, Times Square and kill him.”

“That’s…” He pauses, swallowing. “Woah. What brought this on?”

“I want the world to see him drop dead, Arlo. I want everyone to know that the world will have one less monster in it.”

“It’s risky, Butterfly. If you choose a location such as Times Square, it will be crowded with people. It’ll be difficult to pull off without anyone else getting hurt.”

“I know,” I sigh. “Which is why I’ll plot and plan this thoroughly before I give you all the details.”

“Alright Butterfly, I trust you.” he smiles.

Without thinking too much about it, I lean in, pressing my lips against his. His response is immediate, his hand finding the back of my head, pulling me closer. Arlo’s lips move against mine in a perfect sync, before his tongue darts to the seam of my mouth, demanding access.

I oblige, moaning into the kiss when his tongue meets mine. His other hand grips my hip tighter, his cock coming to life beneath me. My heart starts beating inside of my chest rapidly, and as though as he can hear it, the little fucker smirks into the kiss.

“Someone’s eager,” he teases, breaking the kiss.

“Shut up,” I mumble, feeling my cheeks heating up. I avert my gaze, embarrassment almost overwhelming me.

“Hey,” his voice softens, and he gently tilts my head back so I’m looking into his eyes. “Don’t do that. Don’t hide yourself from me and don’t hide your needs, Butterfly. I’m here, for you to use however you see fit.”

If possible, my face reddens even more. Arlo chuckles, brushing a stray hair out of my face, pinning it behind my ear. “You look adorable when you blush.”

“Shut up, you’re making it worse.”

Arlo laughs, and everything inside of me flutters. It’s my favorite sound, and it’s rare that he even allows himself to laugh, but when he’s alone with me it comes naturally. It means the world to me, and as selfish as it sounds, I want to keep that something as only mine.

Suddenly, I’m flipped over, lying on my back, with Arlo towering over me. With his knees, he parts my legs, settling between them. He’s looking at me like a feral animal, his pupils dilating, his eyes skimming every inch of my face.

“Fuck, Butterfly,” his voice drops an octave, provoking chills to spread all through my body. “You look so gorgeous right now. A blushing, needy mess just for me.”

“Arlo…”

“Yes, Butterfly?”

“Baby, I need you.” I whimper.

“You have me.”

His head dips down, his lips attacking my throat vigorously. The softness of his lips makes my eyes roll to the back of my head, and when his teeth graze my sensitive flesh, I don’t stop the moans that slip out.

His hands are everywhere — my stomach, chest, thighs and neck. He’s relentless, mapping out each curve of my body, as if he’s trying to memorize every single inch.

“You’ve gained weight,” but before I can protest, he murmurs. “I’m so fucking proud of you, Butterfly.”

My heart soars, whispering the only words I can muster, “Thank you, Arlo.”

“Don’t thank me Blair, be proud of yourself.” He says with so much enthusiasm. “Fuck, I love you so much.”

“I love you, too.”

He continues tracing the outline of my collarbone with his lips, his hands going up my shirt.

The contrast between his warm hands and my cold skin makes me shiver in all the best ways.

His touch, his scent, and the way his heart is racing for me is all I can focus on.

If this is what heaven feels like, I never want to leave.

He pulls back, enough to help me out of my shirt.

My sweats and underwear follow suit, with Arlo tossing them away, not bothered where they land.

My eyes are glued to his body while he removes his own clothes, the inked chest directly in front of me.

He has so many tattoos, and they look so fucking good on him.

His hair’s grown, and I’m only now noticing how much.

It’s a little past his shoulders, the pearly white strands bringing out his eyes.

He notices my staring, which is now a habit I don’t want to break, and grins.

That little tooth shines bright, and I can’t help but smile in response.

This man is so perfect, it’s crazy how much he doesn’t notice it.

Physically, he is one of the most attractive men to have ever walked the Earth.

However, it’s not his looks that got me, but his mind that I fell in love with.

He has a heart of gold, and his kindness is unlike anything I’ve ever known.

Arlo De Santis is my home, now and forever.

Without him, I’d be lost. I’d still be that little girl, trapped with the demons inside of her head.

He’s the reason I keep moving forward, because I know that if I falter, or take a step back, he’ll be right there to push me into the right direction.

He’s the light of my life, the only person that can make me happy.

When he kisses me, it's different. It feels like he’s pouring all of his emotions into this kiss, all of his love and devotion. He shows me, through little things, just how much I mean to him, and I’m struggling not to break down right now.

“I love you, Butterfly,” he mutters. “Now and always.”

His fingers reach down, pressing against my clit. He groans when he finds me already drenched for him, pausing the kiss for a moment as he pulls back. His eyes are snapped shut, his jaw clenched.

“You’re soaked,” he croaks out, and when he opens his eyes, I’m met with the most intense gaze. He’s gone completely feral, barely holding himself back. “Is it all for me?”

“All for you, Baby,” I murmur. “Always for you.”

Arlo groans, pulling his fingers back and bringing them to his lips. He doesn’t look away from me while he sucks them clean, my throat drying up at the sight.

“You taste so good.”

“Arlo…” I pant.

“Yes, Butterfly?”

“Please don’t keep me waiting.”

Arlo grins. “As you wish.”

He positions himself between my legs, his lips crashing down on mine as he snaps his hips forward. A deep moan comes from me as he bottoms out, hitting that sweet spot inside of me without even trying. My walls tighten around him, making him groan in response.

He starts thrusting, leaning back a little to look at me. He picks up the pace, his hands roaming all over my chest, before he leans in, taking one of my erect nipples into his mouth. My body arches into his touch, my brain going into a frenzy.

“Arlo, please,” I whimper, and that’s when he starts fucking me like a madman. He’s been waiting for this, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t need it to happen just as much as he did. His cock is reaching the deepest parts of me, and my body yearns for more.

“Yes, Butterfly? Tell me what you need.”

His gravelly voice isn’t helping. It echoes in my ears, and I can practically see stars.

“More. I just need more.”

He pauses for a moment, provoking a whimper out of me. He doesn’t comment on the sound, but he doesn’t need to. His little smirk tells me everything I need to know — he’s very pleased with himself.

He pulls my legs up, propping them on each of his shoulders, and doesn’t give me a second to comprehend what’s happening.

He starts thrusting into me again, his deep moans reaching my ears.

He’s so deep, and the intensity of his movements is making the familiar sensation build in the pit of my stomach.

It’s been there for quite some time now, ready for Arlo.

“You’re going to come soon,” he mutters, the devilish glint in his eyes appearing. “I can feel it.”

“That’s because you’re making me feel so fucking good.”

Arlo chuckles, slamming into me roughly. “Oh, I know. It’s okay, Butterfly. Be a good girl and let go for me, will you? Come on my cock, Blair. Let me feel you soak me.”

His words trigger the orgasm, and I come undone. I belong to him, wholeheartedly and entirely, so much that even my body recognizes the command in his voice. He grits his teeth when he feels me come, and groans deeply.

Arlo slams into me, one last time, before filling me up completely, my hands clutching the silk sheets below.

“Fucking hell, Butterfly,” he groans, then slumps on top of me. His arms immediately go underneath me, holding me closely. “You’re amazing.”

I laugh, panting, and trying to regain my breath. “Yeah? Amazing enough for you to keep it inside the entire night?”

“Don’t push it.”

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