Page 75 of Red River

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That evening, I still felt the pleasant spirit vibrating in my body—the same energy that had brought about the shift within me—that urge to move forward, to push my life onto a new track, to put even more distance between me and the past.

Like every night, I knocked on Archer’s door.

But this time, my heart was beating faster than usual.

He opened it with his usual calm expression, dressed only in boxer briefs.

His bare chest, all bulging muscle and definition, drew my gaze like a magnet. I stepped inside, closing the door behind me.

Meanwhile, Archer walked over to his desk and dropped into the chair, which was a break from our usual routine—normally, he stood beside the bed while I lay down on it.

I moved closer, and our eyes met.

"I felt it today, in the parking lot," Archer said, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "That fight in you. I know you were angry at me."

He tilted his head, studying me carefully. I just stared at him, mouth open, completely lost for words.

Uh. So he brought it up, not the best start… He could see through me way too easily.

"This is what I was talking about earlier, River," he continued. "This isn't submission—because you don't trust me."

"That has changed, Archer. Starting today. I'm sorry I was so hesitant—"

"You don't have to apologize," he cut me off. "I don’t expect blind obedience. That would be the dumbest thing any omega could do. You needed time. That’s exactly what I was saying. Ijust want you to know that in everything I do—and everything I will do—your well-being will always come first. That’s a promise."

Something tightened in my throat. I wasn't lying when I said I needed more—I really did. Desperately.

Slowly, I grabbed the hem of my T-shirt and pulled it over my head in one swift motion.

Now, I was completely bare. He was still in his boxers. I threw my shirt onto the bed and stepped toward him.

His gaze dropped from my face to my chest, then lower, lingering on my crotch.

My body responded instantly, blood flowing to my dick.

"I need more. I want more, Archer," I murmured, stepping between his legs and resting my hands on his shoulders. "I want to cut the distance."

Up close, his eyes were almost translucent, like blue crystals catching the light. Standing here, immersed in his energy, my nostrils flared. His scent was still somewhat elusive—mostly his shower gel. But relentlessly, I tried to search for those sweet tones I dreamed of finding there.

"Thank you," I whispered. "For your patience. With Igor. Because I don’t have any left."

Archer didn’t say anything. He just looked at me, his face unreadable as ever—but somehow, I could still feel his emotions.

For all his seriousness and rules and structures, he was still a young, healthy guy, and I knew he wanted to just… fuck. But his mind controlled his body with a powerful grip. In a way, I respected it, but the naughty part of me wanted to break through it, free his desires, let him experience wildness with me…

I leaned in, brushing my lips against his cheek before letting them drift closer to his mouth. His strong presence was absolutely tantalizing. I wanted to sink into this, melt all over him, never leave this safe bubble ever again.

"Alpha, please."

My lips, which had been leaving small trails over his jawline, finally met his lips. The kiss began, but it was soft, almost hesitant—just the press of lips against lips.

Archer’s hands slowly lifted, grazing my back before moving down to my hips, then lower, gripping my buttocks lightly. I had always been quite happy with my ass—it had a pleasant swell, and over these two weeks, I had gained a bit there again. Archer’s fingers explored it, massaging gently.

"Alpha, please…!"

The fingers of his other hand tangled in my hair, gliding through the strands, playing with them absently.

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