Chapter 32: Chapter Thirty-Two

Aubrey

I haven’t seen or heard from Everett for nearly a week. I texted him, but he didn’t reply. I didn’t try again. He came into the office a few days ago, but didn’t bother to come and say hello. I only found out he was there when I saw him leave in the elevator. I would say I am surprised, but I am not. He obviously got what he wanted from me and moved on. I shouldn’t have gotten involved. I have no one to blame but myself, because I knew what he was like. There was a reason I tried staying away from him, because in the en,d I was just another plaything to him. I am pissed, of course, but what can I do? He wasn’t really mine. It was casual, nothing more. I thought we were at least friends, but obviously not. I meant nothing to him. It is a good thing Hugo and Erica had no idea what happened between us, or Everett would be in a whole world of trouble, not like he would mind. He loves trouble. I swear he thrives on it.

Sighing, I push any thought of him to the back of my mind as I pull up outside Hugo and Erica’s place. Tonight, I look after the kids. I convinced them to book a hotel for a night, enjoy themselves, and I would stay over to watch the kids. I really don’t mind. I love the little ones. Not only the kids, but I love the dogs too.

I park and head inside. “Hello,” I call out.

I soon hear little patters on the floor, the three dogs, Aura, Kyra and Fang. One of Erica’s favourite movies when she was younger was White Fang, hence the name. They rush to greet me, all waiting for a scratch behind the ear and the treat I always give them when I come in. I take them from my pocket, giving each of them one, and they disappear to eat them.

“Auntie Aubrey.” Daisy beams excitedly, running towards me. I scoop her up, hugging her. She is only three, so easy to pick up.

Iris, who is four and Heath, seven, follow, greeting me too. They call me Auntie, they always have.

“Where are your mom and dad?”

“Mommy is in her room getting ready. Daddy is in the living room waiting.” Heath answers.

Iris takes my hand in hers, and we all head through to the living room.

“Hello, Hugo.”

“Hey, Aubrey. Thank you so much for doing this. Are you sure you don’t mind staying the night?”

I shake my head. “Not at all.”

“They have had their dinners and baths. Daisy goes to bed in half an hour. Iris in an hour, and last Heath goes to bed at nine. The dogs have been fed and walked, so you don’t have to worry about that, either. There is plenty in the kitchen if you are hungry. Help yourself to whatever you want.” He smiles.

Erica comes downstairs and soon appears in the living room, looking stunning as always in a beautiful purple strapless dress. Hugo’s breath catches in his throat the second his eyes land on his wife, looking at her with nothing but love, admiration, and lust. I hope a man looks at me like that one day.

“Thank you for doing this.” She smiles, greeting me with a hug.

“Any time. Now, the two of you go and have fun. No need to rush home in the morning, I have no plans.” I say.

They say goodbye to the kids and dogs before leaving. I lock up behind them because they won’t be home, and I won’t be leaving until tomorrow.

“What would you all like to do before bed? Play a game? Draw? Colour? Watch part of a movie?” I ask.

They discussed it amongst themselves and decided on colouring in. I won’t have any issues with them tonight. They are so well-behaved. They have their moments, like every other child, but they pass quickly. The kids set up the colouring table for us, and the three dogs settled closer by to protect their babies like they always do. It will be a good distraction being here with them tonight. I always enjoy being around them. Once they are all in bed, I will find something to amuse myself, probably watch a movie with the dogs for company, well, two of them, Fang will place himself in the hallways outside of the kid’s bedrooms while they sleep. The other two will end up in bed with me, probably, which is fine. Hugo and Erica don’t mind them on the bed and furniture.

It is ten o’clock when I settle down on the sofa. All the kids are sleeping, and the dogs have been out for the toilet and settled. I am comfortable in my pjs with a bowl of popcorn to watch my movie with. I won’t be late going to bed. I find a movie to watch, Aura and Kyra jumping up, lying at each side of me.

“Don’t worry, I am safe. No one is going to steal me.” I giggle, petting them both and focus on the movie.

About ten minutes into it, Aura and Kyra suddenly sit up, their ears going, growling. What the hell? Why are they doing that? It isn’t towards me. It is freaking me out. If their behaviour isn’t bad enough to scare me, I start to hear noises outside, like someone is walking on the gravel, loudly. I panic, pulling my knees to my chest and freezing where I sit. Is someone outside? I need to check, especially when the kids are in the house. I manage to find a little courage, climbing off the sofa to peer out of the window, but I don’t see anyone. Am I hearing things? No, I can’t be, not if the dogs are hearing it too.

Kyra suddenly darts towards the front door and starts to bark. With shaky hands and a churning in my stomach, I go after her, Aura right next to me. A light knock on the front door makes me jump. Who the hell is knocking on the door at this time? I wish I could see the video from the camera outside, but I can’t. Quietly, I creep towards the door, looking through the peephole, and I see a figure standing on the other side of the door.

“H-h-hello?” I stammer, nervously.

“Aubrey, it is Everett. Can you let me in?”

I relax at the familiar voice and the dogs calm down, recognising it too. Their tails start to go. I open it, but not all the way.

“What are you doing here? Erica and Hugo aren’t home. The kids are asleep. Why are you creeping around in the dark? You scared the dogs and me.” I snap.

“Sorry, my car broke down, and there will be no one here until the morning. Hugo and Erica’s place was closer. I didn’t know you were here.”

I told him I had the kids. He either forgot or is lying.

“Then get a cab home, call a driver, walk, I don’t care what you do.”

Everett sighs, running his fingers through his hair. “Aubrey, please let me in. It is cold, and l already walked what feels like miles.”

I roll my eyes, opening the door and letting him in. Not like he deserves to come in, but it’s his brother’s place. Kyra and Aura greet him happily, but Fang stays put where he is. I close the door and lock up again.

“You know where the spare rooms are or whatever it is you want to do. I am watching a movie in the living room, and I would rather you not join me.” I hiss and return to the living room, settling back down on the sofa.

He’d better not come in here. It is a big house, and there are plenty of other places to go. But of course, his stubborn ass doesn’t listen because he follows me in, sitting on the chair. I don’t even look at him and watch my movie. He wants to talk, he can speak first. I am not.