Page 211 of My Ruthless Opponent

“Archer.” My lips turn up.

“Here.” He thrusts a bottle of water and an energy bar at me.

“How do you know I haven’t eaten?” I grin.

“Go home, Hannah.” He starts to leave but I hold his bicep.

“Please. Don’t go. I’m sorry, Archer.” My voice is so broken and tired just like how I am feeling right now.

He turns. “You know why I come here?” He stares at me for a beat. Then, “Because animals are so much better than humans. They don’t lie.”

I flinch, my head bowing.

When he spins on his heels and walks away, I don’t stop him.

???

My heart breaks when Hannah flinches. Stricken, she wraps her arms around herself as Archer turns to leave.

I arrived here a minute ago to get Hannah. She has been here for the whole damn day.

I tried giving her space. I didn’t call her like the over-protective boyfriend I am.

She shares a special bond with Archer. Like I do with Summer. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t worried.

Her palms and knees were healed now but she is fragile. She acts all tough but in reality, Hannah is just like a delicate rose. Beautiful and soft. A rose that requires utmost care. She has been around thorns for so long, I am not going to let anyone hurt her. Even Archer.

I walk out from the side where I was standing, watching their exchange. “Archer.”

He stops and watches as I approach him. Hannah sees me too and she rushes to my side.

“You are being too harsh on her, don’t you think?” My jaw is clenched.

“Raleigh, don’t—” Hannah grabs my arm.

“Yes, we made a mistake of lying to you, knowing that you hate liars so much. But could you just stop punishing her for two minutes and just think why she did that?”

Archer stands like a statue. The fact that he isn’t walking away means he is willing to listen.

I wrap my arm around Hannah and pull her to my side. “If you want to punish anyone, punish me. Not her.” Hannah’s palm lands on my chest. I cover it with mine and press it harder to my chest.

“I am an orphan, Archer. Never got familial love. Apart from Summer, I have been alone my whole life. Don’t have a clue how relationships work. I had a… rough childhood.” I take a long breath.

A feeling of coldness tries to fog my senses but Hannah’s touch overpowers it, making me warm.

I swallow thickly. “I climbed the ladder in this industry by my hard work and unstoppable drive. That’s why I manipulated her to work with me for this contract. Because that’s what we needed to get the promotion.”

I look down at Hannah. “Being with her taught me that there’s so much more to life than money and power.” Hannah’s beautiful gray eyes are glistening.

I break the eye contact and focus on Archer. She is my weakness. I can’t see her crying.

I get this urge of carrying her in my arms and taking her away. Far away where nothing could ever hurt her. So for not giving into that urge, I keep my attention on Archer.

“I have resigned. Please forgive me, man. I don’t want to lose your friendship. And I would hate to be the reason for ruining what you both have.”

I blow a breath.

Pulling my hands away from Hannah, I tuck them in my pockets. “I’ve always looked up to you, man. You are like the older brother I never had.” Fuck, I feel the moisture gathering in my eyes. “If you don’t want to talk to me ever again, I’ll understand. I am used to people leaving. But Hannah—”

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