Charge, page 20
“You ready to tell me why you’re living in Everleigh’s shed instead of your bedroom at William’s?”
Archer’s question doused my desire with cold water. But I guess we had to talk about what was next at some point. If only I could stop the worry that flared up. Despite all of Archer’s reassurances and actions, I was still scared he’d decide I was too much trouble and walk away.
Only this time, I’d fight for him.
“It was time to move out. I didn’t think it was appropriate to still live there while we were getting a divorce.”
Archer’s body went stiff, and his arms tightened to the point of pain. I squeaked at the treatment, and he immediately released his tight hold. He also moved so I was back underneath him, his body suspended above me.
There was awe on his face, and his eyes had gone soft. “You’re getting a divorce?”
“Yes. You see, I met someone who means everything to me. He made me realize I no longer wanted to live a lie.”
He brushed a strand of hair out of my face, trailing his finger along my skin. “Even if you thought he cheated on you?”
“Even then. Because he changed me. I was no longer the same woman who’d gotten married.”
He kissed me then, his lips brushing mine in a soft caress. When he leaned back, I drank in his hooded eyes, still finding it hard to believe that I could put such a look of desire in them.
Archer kissed the tip of my nose, then drew back so he could look at me. “I love you. And I’m never letting you go. You’re mine just as much as I’m yours.”
“I love you too.”
My voice was tinged with awe, my head slow to catch up with what was happening. Because it was as if everything suddenly clicked into place. I finally found where I belonged, and it wasn’t a physical location. It was a person.
“Auntie Thea,” Sofie’s voice sounded before the door to my bedroom slammed open, bouncing off the wall. This was her usual entry, and the door and wall both had grooves from the harsh treatment. “I have the best news. You’re going to love it.”
She came to a stumbling stop in front of the bed. She blinked at me, then at Archer. Her face lit up and she threw herself on top of us. “Uncle Archer, I knew you’d come back.”
Clutching the sheet to my chest, I smiled at Sofie. “Hey, honey pumpkin. You mind giving us a minute? We’ll be right out.”
Nodding so hard her ponytail flew up and down at the movement, she hopped off the bed. “I’ll wait in the living room.”
“Okay, honey.”
Giggling, she ran out, leaving the door open. Since it was the weekend, she didn’t have school today. We usually spent the morning together when I was on the late shift. Something I had to get ready for soon, the clock showing I only had about an hour left before I had to be at the diner.
Looking down at our bodies, I noticed the sheet was thankfully still covering all the important bits. “At least she didn’t get an eyeful.”
“She would have if she’d come in five minutes later.”
The laughter bubbled out of me as I tilted my head back. “Ever would have never forgiven me if that had happened.”
Archer stood up and closed the door. “We need to remember to lock the door from now on.”
We dressed, stealing kisses in between pulling on our pants and sweaters.
Archer took my hand, and together we walked out to the living room. Sofie wasn’t alone anymore. Ever was sitting next to her, braiding her hair.
When she spotted us, her eyes went to our joined hands. “Well, isn’t that an interesting development.”
She sounded hesitant, and I didn’t blame her. It had been her shoulder I’d cried on nearly every day since moving into her guesthouse.
Her attention then turned to Archer’s limp that was more pronounced since he wasn’t using his cane. “What happened?”
“Got shot while on a mission.”
Everleigh dropped her gaze, taking a deep breath. And nobody told me? I’m your sister.”
The hurt in her voice was unmistakable, and Archer flinched. “The guys helped. I was fine. And I didn’t want you to worry unnecessarily.” His voice was gruff, and his hold on my hand tightened.
“Worry me unnecessarily? Are you kidding me? You could have died.” Ever’s voice had taken on a high pitch. “There was once a time when you wouldn’t have hesitated to call me.” Everleigh’s voice was small, and I knew if this continued, they’d start arguing in front of Sofie. I’d known them both long enough to be able to read the signs.
So I put on a cheery smile and towed Archer to the kitchen counter, steering him to one of the bar stools. “Who wants coffee?”
They both nodded, and Archer took a seat, the relieved expression on his face at taking his weight off his leg hard to miss. I found the painkillers I kept above the stove and pushed them his way.
He popped two pills out and washed them down with the water I’d set in front of him. Then I made three coffees while everyone except Sofie sat in silence. She was chattering away while Everleigh finished doing her hair.
I handed out the drinks, then sat down on the bar stool next to Archer. “Sorry I slept in this morning. I meant to finish the painting I was working on with Sofie today.”
Everleigh smiled at me, her first genuine, happy smile this morning. “Don’t worry about it. When you didn’t come over to the house like you usually do I figured you were still sleeping. But I have amazing news and couldn’t wait any longer to tell you. And Sofie wanted to come along.”
Sofie jumped up, half hanging over the back of the couch so she could see me better. “You have a showing at an art gallery in four weeks.”
I set down my coffee cup that had been halfway to my mouth. “Say what?”
Sofie climbed over the back of the couch and, after landing with a loud thump, ran up to me.
Everleigh stood up as well. “Remember my old colleague Joanie?”
I nodded, dimly remembering a red-haired pixie with more energy than Sofie.
“After she left her job, she opened an art gallery in San Diego. We kind of stayed in touch over the years. She always invites me to her openings, and I’m doing her books for her.”
“Okay. But how does that lead to me getting a spot at an art gallery?”
“I mentioned your name and showed her some of your paintings. She loved them. And she wants to meet with you this week to discuss details.” Everleigh handed me a business card. “Call her when you get a chance. She’s excited to see more of your paintings.”
I hadn’t noticed Sofie taking my hand, but now she was waving it up and down excitedly, moving my whole body on the stool. “Can I wear my pink dress? Mama says if you say yes, then I can come as well.”
Hugging her to me, I looked at her braid with unfocused eyes. “Of course you can. But I have to talk to Everleigh’s friend first. She might change her mind.”
“She won’t.” Everleigh sounded firm, like there wasn’t a doubt in her mind. “She can’t wait to see them in person.”
“Hang on. How has she seen them at all?”
Everleigh shrugged, looking at me from beneath lowered lashes. “I might have asked William to send me photos.”
Groaning at the fact that she’d involved William, I buried my head in my hands. “I’m surprised he hasn’t called me yet, asking where he needs to deliver the paintings.”
“I asked him to wait until I talked to you.”
“Great. Just great.” Biting down on my bottom lip, I sighed. “What if this doesn’t work out, though?”
“It will.”
She glanced at the clock and picked up Sofie, who’d climbed up on my lap and was playing with my phone. “Come on, beautiful girl. Let’s give Auntie Thea and Uncle Archer a chance to wake up properly. You can help me make apple pie.”
Grumbling, Sofie slid off my lap. She turned and hugged me, then hesitated a moment before hugging Archer as well. The gesture took him off guard, his arms hanging by his sides, then hovering over Sofie’s back but not quite touching her.
She was skipping out of the house before he could make up his mind.
Everleigh kissed my cheek and waved at Archer. “You want to catch up later?”
He nodded, and she followed Sofie.
Archer grinned at me. “Congratulations, baby.”
Hugging him tight, I put the side of my face to his, relishing being this close to him again. “Don’t congratulate me yet.”
“Your paintings should never be hidden away. More people deserve to see them. They’re beautiful.”
I flushed, looking down at my hands. “Thank you.”
“Promise you’ll call her today?”
“Promise.”
We took our coffees to the front porch, sitting down on the two chairs Everleigh had placed out there only yesterday. They were made of heavy wood, and huge fluffy cushions covered the seats and backs. I sat down and instantly decided I’d have my coffee out here every day from now on.
Everleigh kept adding little things around the house, and I loved discovering the random trinkets, decorations, and furniture.
We sat in companionable silence until we finished our coffee. If I didn’t hurry up, I’d be late. Leaning over, I sank my hands into Archer’s thick hair and kissed him. “I have to take a shower and get ready for work.”
A car drove up, stopping in front of us. I recognized Carter’s mop of blond hair. He jumped out with a grin. “Hello, lovebirds.”
Archer nodded at his friend. “Hey, Carter.”
“I have to talk to you.” Carter’s eyes blazed with excitement, and he looked like he’d just met Santa.
I didn’t want to intrude and turned to go inside, but Archer caught my hand, holding on. His forehead was furrowed, a deep line between his brows. “Does it have anything to do with Thea?”
Carter dropped into the seat I’d recently vacated with a satisfied groan. “Sure does.” He moved until he was comfortable. “I’m glad you stayed last night. Meant I didn’t have to sleep on the couch again. Damn uncomfortable and way too short.”
Carter had been staying with me for most of the time over the last few weeks, except a few hours a day when someone else took over. Usually in the evening when I was at home.
Archer tugged on my hand and guided me onto his uninjured leg. “Please tell me you got a lead on Mikhail.”
Carter’s eyes twinkled. “I have one better. Aleksándr, the big boss himself, assured us that he has no more business with William. Besides, he has bigger things to worry about. He knows we’re coming for him.”
Archer’s gaze collided with mine. His eyes were clear, his face relaxed once again. Arching a brow, I tilted my head, waiting for him to say something. He didn’t make me wait long.
“You’re safe.” He framed my face with his hands. “It’s over.”
Tears formed in my eyes, and Archer wiped them off when a few escaped. I threw my arms around him. “No more looking over my shoulder? No more bodyguard?”
He placed a kiss to my neck, and a pleasant shiver went through my body. “Nope. Now it’s just us.”
A throat clearing caused me to sit back up. Carter was still sprawled in the chair, looking entirely too comfortable. “Well, and me for a few more minutes. And why are you trying to get rid of me already? You didn’t even offer me a drink. Rude.”
Archer ignored him and adjusted me on his leg. “How do we know he’s not just going to come back once things calm down?”
“Freya. Because hurting Locked Security hurts Freya as well. And her brothers wouldn’t let anyone harm a hair on her body. They’ll be able to keep the Russians in check.”
Archer held me closer. “I’m going to buy Freya a shipping container full of little sweaters if she promises to stay with Gunner.”
Carter chuckled at my puzzled expression. “Gunner wouldn’t be pleased if you fed her tiny sweater addiction. Her bunny can only wear so many of the things before he dies of a heatstroke.”
I looked at Archer with furrowed brows. “She has a bunny that wears sweaters?”
He kissed my scrunched-up forehead. “When we go back to Chicago, I’ll introduce you. You’ll love her.”
Carter stood up. “I’m heading back to Chicago this afternoon. I have another job to get to.”
I stood up as well, walking up to Carter and hugging him tight. “Thank you for keeping me safe.”
He kissed my cheek and stepped back. “It was my pleasure. And I’m glad you guys worked your shit out.”
Archer gave him a man hug, and they whacked each other’s backs, the loud slapping sound making me wince.
Once Carter was gone, Archer crowded me against the door. “How soon do you have to go to work?”
I backed up, my hand finding the door handle and pushing it down. “I have to be there in less than twenty minutes. And after what happened last night, I can’t be late, so I need to get ready.”
“Good thing you have me to help you with that.”
I smiled at him, liking the idea of getting ready together. “You going to braid my hair?”
“I was thinking more of helping you get undressed.”
I laughed, taking his hand. “I guess I could use the help.”
He put his arms around me, my back to his front, and walked me to the bathroom. “You’ll quickly realize how handy I am to have around. Before you know it you won’t be able to live without me anymore.”
Little did he know that was already the case.
21
ARCHER
“We’re going to be late,” Thea panted.
“Don’t care,” I murmured, my voice muffled since my mouth was currently pressing kisses to the inside of her thigh.
She was lying on her back on the kitchen counter, dress pushed up around her waist. We were supposed to be at William’s in twenty minutes, but when she’d walked out of the bathroom, I couldn’t help myself.
Thea always looked spectacular. Especially when she was mussed from sleep and only wearing one of my shirts. But when she strutted out of her room wearing a white off-the-shoulder dress that fit her curves like a glove, all I could think of was taking it off her.
Despite having spent almost a week with her, I couldn’t seem to get enough. A week that was almost up since my flight was leaving tomorrow.
I had no idea what was next. But one thing I was certain of was that whatever would happen, Thea would be by my side.
“William will be mad if we make him wait.”
I pulled her underwear down her legs and encountered no resistance. “He’ll be fine. I promise I can make you come in the next five minutes. We’ll hardly be late.”
We both knew he would be anything but fine. When Thea had told William that she was bringing me to lunch, he’d yelled so loud I could hear his voice as if he was standing in the room next to us.
She chuckled, and I basked in the light sound. I’d made it my mission to make her happy again. And as long as we weren’t thinking about my departure tomorrow, it worked.
I didn’t waste any more time teasing her, her breathy sighs and squirming atop the counter telling me she was more than ready. I pulled a condom out of the kitchen drawer and put it down next to Thea.
We had stashes all around the house, and they’d come in quite handy. I dropped my pants and boxers and rolled the condom on, aching to be inside her. She was splayed out in front of me, her eyes on me, her lips red and swollen from our kisses.
I ran my hands up her legs and then stepped between them, pulling them around me. She clasped them together behind my back, the heels of her shoes digging into my skin. I lined myself up, then watched as I slowly sank into her.
Her legs tightened, drawing me in farther until I was seated deep.
My hands went behind her back, and I drew her up, needing to feel her lips on mine. Being able to touch her whenever I wanted was heaven I felt invincible when I was with her. Weightless and completely enthralled.
She rocked against me, and I slowly pulled out again, then pushed in with more force than before. She moaned and clasped my head, bringing our lips together. Our teeth clashed; the kiss grew messy.
Unable to stop touching her, my hands roamed her velvet skin, brushing against her erect nipples. We never broke our kiss, our movements growing more urgent. But I promised her I’d make her come in a few minutes and I intended to keep my promises.
The only sound in the kitchen was the slapping of our skin and our labored breaths. If anyone walked in right now, I didn’t think I’d be able to stop.
Her breathing sped up, and she arched her back, finally breaking our kiss. She came with a loud moan, her body shuddering against mine. There was no sweeter sound in the world. Her expression was one of wonder, her eyes glazed over with desire.
Sliding in and out of her a few more times, I came with a loud growl. She clung to me, her body rubbing against mine. If we didn’t have to be at William’s five minutes ago, I’d drag her back to bed for another round.
I was addicted to her. Spending the week together had made us closer than I ever thought possible.
When I stepped back, I shivered at the loss of her body against mine. Thea hopped off the counter, smoothing down her dress. She kissed my chest and leaned her forehead against me. “I better clean up and do my makeup again.”
After holding her for another few seconds, I reluctantly released her. “You go do your thing, and I’ll call William to let him know we’ll be late.”
She tipped her head back, beaming up at me. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” I swatted her ass as she turned away. “Now get ready before William makes me drink one of his pink cocktails with the umbrella in it.”
She laughed. “He’d never do that.”
“He definitely would.”
We both knew he would.
Thea stopped at the bathroom door, looking at me over her shoulder. “Thank you for not giving up on us.”
She disappeared into the bathroom and I fought the urge to follow her. But instead of giving in, I called William with a smile on my face.
