Page 145 of Shades of Silver City

He squeezes me tighter. “No, I didn’t.” He makes a small noise in the back of his throat before nuzzling me and saying, “I knew I was different. I knew there was more to my magic—to me—but I never wanted to face it. I thought if I could ignore it…”

“That it wouldn’t exist?” I whisper, knowing all too well what he means. “That you wouldn’t be different from the people around you?”

“Yes,” he breathes. “I was afraid. I think, deep down, I always knew what I was…but I was afraid, Tasia.” He draws in a big breath. “I can’t express how sorry I am for letting you down.”

“That was your first time? With Reed?”

“Yes.” His voice is thick, weighed down by guilt. “I’m sorry for scaring you, for disappointing you, but if I’m being honest, I can’t apologize for what I did to protect you. I would do it again. I’ll always protect you, no matter the cost, baby.”

My stomach clenches with desire when he utters the term of endearment, and tears prick my eyes. His body nestles perfectly against mine. His strong arms hold me with ease. I can relate to his battle with his magic, with identity. His admission only softens me toward him.

Pulling back so I can see his face, I take a deep breath, then press my lips to his with desperation. One of his hands moves to cup the back of my neck while the other grips my hip, holding me flush to him.

He breaks free from my mouth, trailing kisses down my jaw and to the tender skin of my neck.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” he murmurs into my neck.

“That makes two of us. You had me worried there for a minute, gangster.”

“You don’t need to worry about me.” He squeezes my hip. “I was coming for you. I will always come for you, whether you need me to or not.”

I smile as his breath tickles my skin.

When he pulls back, his expression is full of relief. He studies me for a moment before breaking out into a grin.

“What?” I ask, smiling back.

“Was there another spider?” His eyes, now filled with humor, crinkle at the corners. “Last time you jumped into my arms like this, it was to avoid death by spider.”

“Oh.” I chuckle. “I’m not used to you having a sense of humor.”

“Only with you,” he mutters.

With that, he sets me down. I bite my lip as I stare at him expectantly. Neither of us talks for a moment.

“I’m sorry for abandoning you, Archer.” My eyes flick to the dirt ground. “I didn’t know—I wasn’t…”

“It’s okay,” he says softly, pulling me to his chest in a reassuring hug.

Okay, okay, I know I said forgive him, but can you guys do your makeup sex later?

“We’re not having sex!” I yell.

Archer jerks back as if I burned him. His brow furrows. “I wasn’t trying to—”

“Not you,” I rush to say. “Sorry—your dog is in my head.”

His eyes light up. “Scathe’s speaking to you?”

“Yes. He saved my life, actually. Again.”

Archer’s amusement rinses away, and he grabs my hand, pulling me through the tunnel. “We need to make sure we’re all up to speed.”

“Hey,” Godric says when we catch up to him. He holds up his phone and waves it at us. “Pixel has eyes on Arlo. He’s in the Ministry District, likely glamouring his way to the High Chancellor position. She’ll keep us updated on his movements.”

“That fucker,” Archer growls.

I snort. “Did you just drop an f-bomb, Archer Acciai?”

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