Page 77 of Twisted Control

I’m sitting in a sticky vinyl booth in my jeans and cap, nibbling on greasy curly fries, and the craziest part is…I’m actually having fun.

I’ve never been to an arcade before. My father would’ve considered this place beneath us. But there’s something infectious about all the flashing lights, ringing bells, and the sound of kids laughing at full volume. Everyone here is just happy. No pretending. No pressure. Just pure, chaotic joy.

I’ve caught myself laughing so many times—especially when Drew got competitive against Theo on the racing game and then looked up at me with this huge, boyish grin after he won.

A little while later, Drew nods toward the back corner. “There’s a tennis simulator over there. Go show the kid how it’s done.”

I laugh, but when I see Theo struggling with the racket grip, I can’t resist. I kick off my heels, step behind him, and gently adjust his hands. “Like this. Nice and smooth.”

We play three rounds, and I’m laughing so hard my stomach hurts. The simulator won’t stop yelling “FAULT!” every time I swing.

“This is not accurate,” I say, laughing. “I’m a really good shot.”

“I know,” Drew replies, the smile clear in his voice.

When Theo eventually gets bored and sprints off to the next game, Drew steps up behind me. His hand slides around my waist, settling warmly on my hip as he leans in close. His breath brushes my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile this much,” he murmurs. “We should come here again.”

I turn in his arms, searching his face in the flashing lights of the arcade.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask quietly. “About Theo. About today.”

Drew shrugs and rubs the back of his neck, looking a little sheepish. “I don’t know.” His eyes meet mine, they’re warm and surprisingly vulnerable. “I don’t know the first thing about kids. I wanted you here. But I was worried you’d say no.”

I smile up at him, my chest feeling strangely full. Before I can reply, I catch sight of Theo glancing over from the shooting game, holding up an empty token cup with the most hopeful expression I’ve ever seen.

“Better get your wallet out again,” I tease.

Drew lets out a dramatic groan, but he’s already reaching for it, shaking his head with a reluctant smile.

We’re running a little late dropping Theo home. It was almost impossible to drag him away from the arcade—he kept begging for “just one more game.”

When we finally pull up outside the building, a man is waiting on the sidewalk. He stands with his arms crossed, looking thoroughly pissed off. He’s wearing a plain white t-shirt and jeans.

I can’t seem to look away. He’s incredibly attractive in a raw, masculine way— he kind of man who looks like he couldn’t care less what anyone thinks of him. He’s maybe an inch shorter than Drew, but noticeably broader and more solid, with powerful shoulders and a heavy, muscular build. His jaw is sharp, his expression stormy, and everything about him screams dangerous.

“Fuck’s sake,” Drew mutters.

We get out, and Drew moves the seat so Theo can climb from the back. The man immediately steps forward and grabs Theo’s wrist in a firm grip.

“I said noon,” he snaps, voice low and irritated.

Drew shuts the car door with more force than necessary. “We’re ten minutes late. Don’t get your panties in a twist.”

The man’s jaw ticks. “Ten minutes is ten minutes. I’ve got shit to do.”

“Yeah, well, your kid doesn’t stop moving. Spent twenty minutes wrestling him off a claw machine.”

Levi’s gaze shifts from Drew to me. His expression hardens.

“The fuck is she doing here?” he says.

Drew steps in front of me. “She came with us. Got a problem with that?”

Levi lets out a short, incredulous laugh. “Yeah, I distinctly remember telling you I don’t want random people around him.”

“She’s not random,” Drew replies easily. “Theo had a great time. You’re welcome, by the way.”