Page 11 of Red River

"Don’t," I said firmly.

His eyes lifted to meet mine, wide with surprise. He didn’t respond.

"How’s your husband?" I asked, tilting my head slightly, my tone casual but probing.

River cleared his throat, glancing down again. "He’s… he’s having some health issues. But he’s undergoing treatment, and we’re hopeful everything will be okay."

"Looks like my childhood plans won’t come true after all," I said abruptly, the bitterness in my tone surprising even me.

River blinked at my words, his voice slightly wavering as he replied, "You know, it was very sweet of you, really, Archer. You were a brave little boy. I’m sure many omegas would love an alpha who knows what he wants—and who he is—so early in life."

There was a strange emotion in his voice, though he tried to make it sound comforting. His words only made me want to keep talking, to prolong the moment.

"I only like redheaded omegas," I announced out of the blue.

The statement felt odd even as I said it, but I didn’t care. I wanted him to stay in the room, to keep looking at me just a little longer.

River’s fingers played with the end of his braid as he swirled it around his wrist absentmindedly. "You’ll find a redheaded omega for yourself," he murmured uncertainly.

"I’d prefer you," I replied, my gaze firmly locked on him.

"Well," River began, his voice trembling, "unfortunately, our paths have taken different turns. Everyone has to follow their own."

"If you didn’t have a husband, I’d want to marry you," I said, unbothered that my words came out so unfiltered.

River’s cheeks deepened in color, and he shifted nervously where he stood. "I’m very flattered, but you’re fifteen years younger than me, Archer. It’s not possible."

"It doesn’t matter. I still like you."

"Th-thank you," he stammered.

"Can I kiss you?" I asked suddenly.

River almost jumped in place, his wide eyes darting around the room as if someone were about to appear and witness the inappropriate moment. It was clear he was panicking, his voice turning raspy as he replied, "What are you saying, Archer? That’s… that’s absolutely wrong. I have a husband, and you’re just a teen. I can’t do something like that."

"Just once," I insisted, my eyes fixed intently on River; I had nothing to lose. "He doesn’t have to know."

"No, Archer!" River exclaimed with a mix of unease and shock. "I would know. It wouldn’t be fair to my husband, and itwouldn’t be fair to you either. You’re a minor, and that’s simply illegal."

"In our state, the age of consent is sixteen. I’m just a few months shy of that—a technicality."

"That does not make it right, Archer! It’s not just about the law—it’s about morality!"

"Don’t care. I’m big. You’re not taking advantage of me anyway."

"It doesn’t change anything. As an adult, I have an obligation—"

"I’ve never kissed anyone," I interrupted. "I want you to be my first kiss, even if I can’t have you as my husband. Just one kiss—is that really too much to ask, River?"

River stared at me, agape.

"You know, a first kiss is something special," he finally muttered. "You should save it for someone you really like."

"I have. I like you. And I want you. You’re the special one. The most beautiful."

"Archer…" His voice faltered. "That’s completely inappropriate. I’m married to another man. I’m carrying his child. I’m not the right choice for you—believe me."

"But I think you are. So, do you agree?"

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