Page 308 of Savage Bosses

The lingering shadows of trauma don't seem so threatening with Archer by my side. I lean into him, allowing the steady beat of his heart to lead mine to calmer waters.

His eyes darken as he stares down at our entwined hands. "When I was a kid, my dad walked out on us. Left me, my mom, and my little sister with nothing. I had to grow up fast, get jobs, keep us afloat. Couldn't really be a normal teenager." He shakes his head, old anger and shame rising to the surface. "I vowed to be successful, to never let us struggle like that again. So I buried my emotions and became obsessed with achievement and wealth. Some say I’m arrogant, but what they don’t know is that I cannot lose. I’ve already done enough of that." Archer looks up, holding my gaze. His voice grows hoarse with suppressed sorrow. "Success comes at a cost. I distanced myself from the people I loved. Threw myself into work at the expense of real connections." He grips my hand tighter as if drawing strength from the contact. "I don't want to live like that anymore, Tahani. With you, I feel I can finally be..." Archer's voice trails off.

"Vulnerable?" I supply.

Relief floods his features as he nods. Silently, our pain transforms into acceptance. Broken pieces align to form something stronger and more beautiful.

Slowly, Archer brings my hand to his lips. The kiss is like a brand against my knuckles, searing itself into my nerves. Heat pools in my core, desire coiling tightly.

"Tahani..." Archer murmurs, his voice low and gravelly. It sends delicious shivers dancing down my spine.

This is uncharted territory for me. I have only loved one man, and he misused that love. I never desired anyone as much as I desire Archer. And I have never, ever desired anyone from the office. And we are out on a very public street displaying our affection for one another.

I move closer, eliminating the last sliver of space separating us. Archer's arm encircles my waist, strong and protective. I let my head rest against his shoulder, fitting perfectly in the crook of his neck. It feels like we’re two self-mended souls finding solace in each other, the start of something beautiful rising from the ashes of pain.

I close my eyes and breathe in Archer's scent of sandalwood and spice. It's masculine yet comforting, just like him.

I can feel the steady thrum of his heart beneath my palm, pressed against his chest. The intimacy of this moment sinks into my bones and warms me from within.

After a long, tranquil silence, I lift my head to look at Archer. His gaze is tender, full of unspoken emotion. I take a deep, steadying breath.

"I appreciate you sharing some of your past with me. We both have demons to battle, and I think we can help each other in that battle.” I pause, gathering my courage before continuing. "I want to see where this goes between us. I'm ready to take that leap, if you are."

Archer's expression melts into a smile. It’s a small smile, but I feel the warmth emanating from him. "Tahani," he murmurs. "I've never met anyone like you. Your strength is admirable. Without knowing it, you have challenged me, inspired me...and made me want more." He takes my hand, bringing it to his lips once more. "I'm ready to take that leap with you. I want to see what we can build together."

My heart pounds as the sincerity in Archer's words wash over me. This powerful, complicated man wants to build with me.

I squeeze his hand, holding onto him. "I'm here for you, Archer. Whatever demons we face, we'll face them together."

He nods, eyes glistening. Then he leans in, tentative yet longingly. I meet him halfway. My eyes flutter shut, and our lips meet. Archer's hand comes up to cradle my face, drawing me closer. The kiss deepens, growing more passionate. My senses are overwhelmed by the scent of his skin, the taste of his mouth.

I run my fingers through his dark hair as our bodies press together. Archer makes a low sound in his throat that sends desire coursing through me.

The following moments happen in a blur. He takes my hand, guides me back to the café’s parking lot, and helps me into his car and then gets behind the wheel. Archer pulls me in for another searing kiss as if I’m not still reeling from the last one. His hands roam my back, pressing me as tightly against him as possible in the car.

I can hear our heartbeats as the rest of the world fades away. When I pull back just enough to catch my breath, Archer's eyes blaze into mine, his lips slightly parted.

"Wow," I whisper.

The look in his eyes asks me a question.

I respond with questions of my own.

“We can take the morning off,” Archer responds.

“We have so much to do…”

“Let me worry about that.”

“Well, you are the boss.”

“Right.” He chuckles as he cranks the car and drives us to a sprawling property in Crestline Heights. It sits nestled amidst lush, towering oaks, their branches forming a protective canopy over the expansive grounds. A stately, ivy-covered mansion stands as the centerpiece, exuding an air of timeless elegance.

As soon as he opens my door, his lips are back on mine. Our kisses grow urgent, tongues dancing in reckless abandon. I run my fingers through Archer's hair, gripping the dark strands. He groans into my mouth, sending vibrations through my entire body.

Archer's hands slide lower, grasping my hips. He lifts me easily, and my legs wrap around his waist. Heat pools in my lower belly as he walks me to his door.

We enter the foyer, adorned with opulent details that speak of old-world charm. Archer lets out a guttural moan as I rock my hips, seeking more friction. His grip on me tightens, and he trails blazing kisses down my neck and across my collarbone.

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