Page 300 of Savage Bosses

He pulls out his phone and turns away. I watch him, seeing past the ultra-rich boss persona. There's more to Archer Gates than what his reputation suggests. His apology's sincerity and compassionate concern offer a softer side.

The wail of sirens precedes emergency vehicles arriving on the scene.

Archer finishes his call and turns back to me. "They'll be here soon for the car. I will take care of everything and get your car back to you in perfect condition. In the meantime, let me call to get you a rental delivered here with mine.”

“Thanks for getting the tow, but I will handle my rental tomorrow. I’ll just call my—”

“Is everyone okay,” a police officer questions as he approaches us.

“We’re fine, just a little shaken up,” I tell the officer.

The officer takes the report of what happened and gives us each a copy of the incident report. We are then checked out by emergency medical professionals and released. The tow truck arrives and takes my car. I watch as my baby is loaded into the truck and stare at my vehicle until the truck turns the corner at the next block.

“Let me give you a ride home,” Archer offers.

I hesitate. Accepting would mean spending more time with him alone. The thought sends a shiver down my spine. “I will be fine. I’ll call my father to come and get me.”

“There’s no need for that. A-One Luxury Fleets has delivered a new car for me, so I can give you a ride home.” Archer holds my gaze, his eyes searching mine. Waiting.

"Okay, and thanks for the offer.” I take a breath. “It was nice of them to deliver you a new car. I have never have a rental delivered. That must be some rich people stuff," I say, breaking the tension.

He chuckles. “I guess you could say that. Are you sure you don’t want me to have one delivered for you?” he asks.

“I will be fine with getting a rental tomorrow.”

He nods and gently grasps my elbow, guiding me toward a brand new black Mercedes Bens. I try to ignore the tingles that spread from his touch. This is just a ride home, I tell myself.

I give him my address s we pull away from the chaos of the accident scene. The atmosphere in the car feels heavy with things unsaid. I sneak a glance at Archer's profile. His jaw is tight, knuckles white on the steering wheel. He’s tense.

I watch the streets pass by as Archer drives, neither of us speaking. What is there to say after what we've just gone through? We're lucky to have walked away unscathed.

As we turn onto my street, the air grows thicker. This man, who I'd written off as self-centered, has shown me there was more to him. He’s capable of offering a bit of tenderness, and he owns up to his mistakes.

Archer pulls up to the curb outside my townhouse. Neither of us makes a move to exit as the engine hums softly. I can feel his eyes on me, but I keep my focus straight ahead.

After a long moment, he cuts the engine. The absence of sound seems to echo.

I turn to Archer and his gaze fixes on mine.

"Let me walk you up," he says with a question in his tone.

Nois on the tip of my tongue. And I should really tell him no, but I nod vigorously. “Sure.”

We get out of the car and climb the front steps. Under the porch light, Archer moves in close. My breath catches as he reaches up and gently tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers linger, tracing the line of my jaw.

"Tahani..." he murmurs, his voice low and rough as he leans into me.

I sway toward him. My eyelids flutter closed. His lips hover above mine, and I gravitate closer to him, closing the distance between us. This is the moment I have denied myself in all of our close interactions. But now, I am ready to give in. I am ready to be wrecked in more ways than one. For once, I’m not overthinking or analyzing. I am simply feeling.

Archer rests his forehead against mine, leaving my lips unkissed and hungry for the feel of his. "I should go," he whispers.

Shaking off the sensation of our almost-kiss, I know he’s right. He should go. He should have never come here. I turn and unlock my door, heart pounding, and step into the entryway. When I look back at Archer, he’s rooted in place, watching me intently. I can see the desire on his face, but also hesitation.

"Do you want to come in?" I ask softly, giving him one final chance to blow up both of our worlds and leave nothing but beautiful wreckage in our wake.

Archer seems to wrestle with himself before answering. "I don't know if that's a good idea right now."

I feel a pang of disappointment, but also understand his restraint. This is new territory for both of us.

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