Page 78 of Shades of Silver City

I scoot down, lifting my hips, trying to take him in.

He groans again, placing his head on my shoulder. “We can’t.”

Abruptly, he sucks in a ragged breath, pulling off of me. His eyes rove over my naked body, which lies ready and willing, pliable, on his bed. He swipes a hand down his face, looking torn.

After a moment of silence, he snatches up his towel and jerkily wraps it around his waist.

“I shouldn’t have let it get this far,” he mutters. “I’m sorry.”

“What the hell?” I ask, more confused than angry. “What happened to you ruining me for all other men? I’m ready. I’m consenting. Ruin me, asshole!”

Tears prick my eyes. If I thought he gave me whiplash before, it’s nothing compared to now.

The hell did I do wrong?

“Tasia…” His brows draw in as he frowns. “Did you ever think that maybe you will ruin me for all other women? Maybe I’m not ready to be destroyed.” He clears his throat, adjusting his towel. “I just…I don’t sleep with my friends. I can’t. It’s not who I am.”

My cheeks flame, and I clutch the blankets around my chest, covering as much as I can. “I’m sorry—can we just forget about this? It was…I was…” I babble nervously. “Seriously. It won’t happen again. I was just…I wasn’t thinking. And I don’t want to ruin our…newfound friendship.”

“I’m sorry.” He closes his eyes and grimaces, his inner turmoil bubbling to the surface. “Regardless of this thing between us, just know, no matter what happens, I always protect what’s mine.”

“Yours?” I squeak out.

“You work with me,” he says, voice low. “You’re in my house. You’re my friend. You’re under my protection. Like it or not, you’re mine to take care of, and I take that very seriously.”

I suppress a shudder at his possessiveness. It’s thrilling and unsettling at the same time.

Just take care of me then! I want to yell. If I’m yours, come claim me!

He grabs his clothing and exits the room, carefully shutting the door behind him and leaving me speechless. What the fucking fuck just happened? I fan myself, trying to cool down after that interaction.

I want to scream in frustration.

Without the lust clouding my thoughts, I replay our interaction just now. Of course the guy offered to sleep on the couch and asked to use his own shower. He didn’t want to make me uncomfortable. And of course he won’t make a move on me while I’m supposedly working for him and staying with him. He doesn’t want to take advantage of me.

He doesn’t want to risk the already fragile relationship we have.

Archer might be the first man I’ve ever met that thinks with his actual head instead of his dick-head.

I’m left turned-on, confused, angry, and embarrassed. I raise my fingers to my swollen lips, tracing them. The memory of his kiss lingers, and it leaves me desperate for more.

Mostly, I’m a little heartbroken at the realization that maybe I am a bad influence on Archer.

"The forthcoming phase of research, contingent upon funding, will explore how substances influence or alter soul-shades. Preliminary research indicates no discernible effect from alcohol or common illicit substances. However, the inquiry persists: what effects might magically infused substances yield?”

-Excerpt from the personal journal of Dr. Claude Foster, Director of Faeology at Mesmeric Labs

CHAPTER 18

FANTASIA

Godric drives us to the Packing District in silence. Archer and I sit together in the back seat of the SUV, with what feels like an ocean of space between us.

Last night, Archer slept on the couch, and when I came downstairs in the morning, he silently made me some coffee—black, just how I like it—and a couple of eggs. Then he presented me with my freshly washed and folded clothing and kindly asked if I had everything I needed.

He’s the most infuriating, tempting, motherfucking gentleman I’ve ever met.

Neither of us have brought up what happened last night. And stubbornly, I decided I’m not making another move until he does. If he wants to pretend there’s nothing between us, fine. But I’m not risking another brutal rejection. And I can’t stand feeling like I’m the one corrupting him.

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