Page 84 of Red River

For a while, I just sat there, feeling restless. Like I was waiting for something.

And then, before I could overthink it, I stood up. Everyone’s eyes followed me as I walked over to Archer.

My hands trembled slightly as I wrapped my arms around him.

My heart was hammering, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to do it—to let that impulse carry me.

In a way, I was publicly claiming him, showing the world that he was mine.

Archer didn’t hesitate. He hugged me back, his arms strong and sure around me. Our eyes met for a fraction of a second—just long enough to feel each other.

When I returned to my seat, I caught the amused, knowing smiles on Day and Oliver’s faces.

The kids, on the other hand, didn’t react at all. Igor was focused at his plate.

By late afternoon, Jan and Day said their goodbyes—they had to be at Jan’s brother’s place that evening and didn’t want to be late.

Archer took Igor to the gym for another round of training. Igor complained about being exhausted, whining that his armshurt, but Archer didn’t let up. And despite all the groaning, Igor didn’t actually resist.

***

That night, as I made my way to Archer’s room, one thought burned in my mind. I desperately wanted to push this forward even more—the need growing rapidly, overshadowing everything else.

I walked into his bedroom with a determined step, but just like the night before, he was sitting in a chair instead of coming to the bed. I took it as a sign—he didn’t want to jump straight into anything physical.

"I could tell that you were unhappy today. Is it because of Sam?"

My mouth fell open slightly. So Sam had talked to Archer after all! But Archer never gave any sign that something was wrong, letting the day pass without issue. And maybe, for him, there wasn’t?

"Sam… yeah. He was furious with me. Blamed me for everything. Called me selfish. He thinks I seduced you. And maybe… maybe that’s how it looks from the outside. What happened—the kiss—I don’t know if he’ll ever forgive me."

Archer’s clear blue eyes scanned my face.

"I think Sam’s had his suspicions for years. He forced himself to believe it was nothing. Now he’s angry he ignored his own instincts. But I don’t want you worrying about it. Sam doesn’t get to dictate our lives."

"But he’s your brother, Archer."

"I told him that if he’s going to act like this, maybe he should take some time away from you—at least until he sorts himself out. He pretty much ruined your friendship over this."

I let out a heavy sigh. "For years, Sam was the only real friend I had. He never let anything come between us, even when I defended Thomas with my… naivety. He was just there for me. He stuck around." My lips trembled. It was all in the past now—I doubted our friendship would ever recover.

"He’s in shock right now, but it’ll pass."

"Sam… helped me so much after Thomas died. He and Stephen came to my house and watched over the whole Igor situation. They even left Steve at home for almost three weeks! I feel so bad about it…"

"River, when Sam found out about our father’s affair, he didn’t speak to him for months. But then, one day, they just… had a conversation, and things got better. That’s how Sam is. He just needs time."

I nodded, biting my lip. I wanted to do something to make me forget about all the stress and difficulties surrounding me—to just… feel better for a change.

My gaze dropped to the solid curves of his muscles.

And then I just… said it. "I want to move things forward between us. I think… I’m ready."

Archer tilted his head, his eyes attentive.

"I don’t think you are, River. Right now is not the best moment. Too much has happened, too much stress. Give it a little more time—let things settle."

A sharp wave of frustration hit me. I was practically throwing myself at him, and he was telling me to slow down?

---