Page 13 of The Debt

Chapter 9

It was her last night with Archer, or so she convinced herself. There was no way Vasco would allow her to continue dating Archer to extract the information. She knew his jealousy and possessiveness and he would soon realize that his efforts were only pushing her into Archer’s arms. She was never good at masking all her emotions from Vasco. He could sniff out her moods within seconds of being near her. It would not take long before he realized that she was completely smitten with the software engineer.

This night should be special, therefore she dimmed the lights and added some of her favorite tunes to her playlist. Her father loved Luther Vandross and she added a few of his songs as well as lyrics from Celine Dion, Janelle Monáe and John Legend. Her taste in music was pretty narrow so her list was short. There were a few more artistes she liked but she omitted those.

Promptly at seven her date arrived. The food had arrived around eight minutes earlier where she had requested a table set for two. Nervously she opened the door. He was standing there, a rose in his outstretched hand and a smile on his face. Her heart skipped several beats before galloping down the hallway. Taking the flower, she reached up and kissed him lightly leaving a burning sensation where their lips met.

“You look beautiful,” he complimented her.

Stepping aside to let him in she replied in a breathy voice. “Thank you.”

Mira ushered Archer to the table while she turned on the playlist on her cellphone. Dinner was simple with braised salmon and roasted vegetables, a salad and white wine. After the heavy lunch and all the movie snacks she had, she wasn’t sure she could hold another morel, but she did finish her dinner and enjoyed her cheesecake dessert afterward.

“You told me today that you had started college but had to stop,” Archer said. “Why?”

“My father became sick.”

“You haven’t told me about your father,” he remarked. “I guess it’s too painful for you to talk about. But you should consider returning to your studies. I can help with that.”

“No,” she shook her head. “I’d rather do that on my own.”

“I understand. Just know if you need anything I am here.”

“That means a lot.”

They had finished eating and Archer stood, reaching for her. The music was still playing from her cell phone. He pulled her into his arms and started moving to the sound of Luther Vandross’ Secret Love. The lyrics and beat of the song made her blood sing in her veins. The mood was fraught with sensuality as their bodies moved to the rhythm.

“Mira,” Archer’s voice was low and husky. “I’ll better say goodnight before I get myself into trouble.”

“I don’t want you to go.”

“That’s not a good idea.”

She stepped out of his arms, picked up the phone and took his hand with her free one. She then led him to the bed and placed the phone on the nightstand. Pushing his jacket from his shoulders she proceeded to kiss his neck, wondering where the courage to do such a thing came from.

“Mira,” he gripped her shoulders. “Are you sure about this?”

“Make love to me, Archer.”

It was a genuine request. Mira needed to feel the gentleness of someone who made her feel things she’d never felt. She wanted to experience passion she had only dreamed about. Closing her eyes, she lifted Archer’s hand and placed on her heart.

“This had been beating only for you since I first saw you,” she whispered. “And I know you feel the same.”

“But Mira, I don’t want you regretting this tomorrow.”

“I won’t. Even if we never see each other again, I’ll have no regrets. All I want at this moment is to feel you deep inside me.”

“Oh God,” he whispered back, cupping her face. “You know what you’re doing to me?”

“Shut up and make love to me, Archer.”

Without another word, their lips crushed together while they frantically tore each other’s clothes off. Mira knew this was a once in a life time moment to experience a man she was extremely attracted to. In her heart she felt she loved him, but her mind was telling her that she was being foolish. Regardless, there was no turning back for her.

After being subjected to Vasco for the past year, this was heaven. Archer’s hot lips trailing on her skin, his knowing tongue playing fiddle with her nipples and the way his hands explored every crevice and corner of her body, was like medicine for her soul.

This was the healing touch she needed. Archer whispers, telling her how beautiful and sexy she was, replaced the harsh words Vasco would spit at her. When their bodies crashed to the bed, it was to counter the times Vasco would take what she hated to give. She was wet and waiting for Archer when he slipped his hard dick inside her. Very timely and gently he moved within her, healing her, giving her the pleasure she yearned to experience.

“I love the way you feel around my cock,” he said against her lips, surprising her.

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