Page 186 of My Ruthless Neighbor

Kissing my lips softly, he returns to his work.

I still can’t believe this man made our relationship official this morning.

Without any words, he reassured me. Proved to me that my decision of staying with him was not wrong.

I listened to my heart and didn’t end our arrangement nor did I force him into acknowledging that what we have is more than just sex. And my patience paid off.

Archer accepting our relationship in public was a big step. He wouldn’t have done that if he didn’t value us.

While I am still unsure about how deep his feelings are for me, I am happy that he wants more too.

Because why else would he make it official?

It warms my heart that Archer accepts me for who I am.

In the past, it used to hurt thinking I am completely opposite of his ideal type. But Archer isn’t ashamed of me. He likes me and my colors. I see it in his eyes.

When he says that he wants me and only me, it makes me fall for him harder.

Snuggling him, I ask, “What are you working on?”

“A new concept for our on-going project.”

“The one I am the lead model of? But Raleigh and Hannah already have one ready, no?”

“Yes, and yes. But I like to have plan B in spare just in case.”

“Okay.” I kiss his light stubble before returning to massaging him. My eyes fall on his back tattoos and I pause.

“Archer…”

“Hmm.”

“When did you get these?” I trace the outline of one small tattoo of a leafless tree.

His typing stops, his muscles tensing under my touch.

I shake my head internally. Me and my big mouth. I shouldn’t have brought it up.

I am about to change the topic when he says, “It was a long time ago.”

“Do they have a meaning?”

He shakes his head and lets out a humorless chuckle. “Mylifedidn’t have much meaning back then.”

“Why would you say that?”

Shutting his laptop, he hangs his head.

Scrambling off the bed, I move down and sit on the other side of Archer.

“I wasn’t always the Archer Kim everyone knows now.”

I take his hand in mine and interlink our fingers.

He looks at me slowly. Then raises our joined hands up and presses a kiss on my fingers. He then looks at Goldie who has his paws resting on his thigh. “I don’t deserve this.”

“Please don’t say that,” I whisper.

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