Page 49 of Take My Crown

“Ally’s had a nasty shock. She needs rest. I think the three of you should go.” The nurse looks as nervous as the one out in reception.

“Yeah, Romy. Let’s go,” I say. “See you later, Declan.”

On an impulse, I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. Ally’s face is black as thunder as I wave goodbye to her. Archer, Romy and I walk out of the room. The moment the door shut behind us, I can hear Ally having a go at Declan about letting us in to talk.

“Poor guy.” Romy shakes his head. “Ally’s got a real temper.”

“But it isn’t like anyone put a gun to her head and forced her to get on his bike,” Archer reminds him. “She chose to participate. We all know the risks. Just because this is the first time there’s been an accident for a while doesn’t mean there isn’t a chance of one. She should count herself lucky she isn’t badly injured.”

“You’re right,” says Romy. “I guess I feel guilty because it was my turn to host.”

“And it can just as easily happen when it’s my turn or Declan’s,” Archer says.

“Or mine,” I put in.

The two men look at me.

“I’m a head of House too,” I point out. “So that means I should get a chance to host a race.”

“I don’t know-”

“You don’t want to race-”

The two of them speak at once.

“What–because I’m a girl?” I laugh in disbelief. “I’m anheirand one of those placesbelongs to me. I’m claiming it. Try to stop me. See what happens.”

I stare them down.

“No, Ivy.” Archer runs his hand over his closely shaved head. “Because nobody wants to see you get hurt.”

“Let’s be honest, guys. I was never safe. I was cursed the second I got here and I might as well enjoy the perks that come with it,” I reply before turning around and walking away.

Romy’s driver takes me and Archer back to his place where his bike is already waiting for us by the door.

“I better take you home,” Archer says, after waving off the car. “I’m sorry tonight turned out to be such a downer.”

“It’s not your fault,” I say for what seemed like the millionth time. I have spent most of the journey over here reassuring Romy and Archer that neither of them should feel guilty about what happened. “Anyway, I’m not due home for a while yet. Why don’t I come in for coffee? You look like you can do with the company.”

“That would be good.” Archer smiles sadly, taking out his keys to letting us into his home.

“Take a seat,” he invites, pointing over to one of the couches. “I’ll get some coffee on.”

“Or we can leave the coffee for the moment,” I suggest. “I don’t know about you, but right now I can really do with a hug.”

Archer’s stormy expression softens before he comes over and sits next to me, putting an arm around my shoulder. I rest my head against him. Putting my hand over his heart, I can feel him trembling underneath my touch.

“Are you all right?” I softly ask.

“I just can’t stop thinking about what might have happened,” Archer says. “It could have been us in that hospital. You could have been seriously hurt. If I had taken a corner too fast, hit a bump in the road at speed…”

“But you didn’t,” I soothe, reaching up to cup his cheek in my hand. “You’re a good driver, Archer. I feel safe when I’m with you. You would never let anything happen to me.”

“I never would have forgiven myself if I hurt you,” Archer vows. “You’re far too precious to me. I could have so easily fucked up the only light in my life.”

He breaks off, looking away so I wouldn’t see the anguish on his face.

Gently I pull him round to look at me and I kiss him, pushing everything I’m feeling into the kiss.

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