Page 89 of Red River

"Seriously? Damn, the principal really tried to lie his way out of that one about the cameras not working!"

"I’ve been watching what’s been going on at school for over a week now. I hacked into their system—it’s ridiculously unsecured. I recorded everything."

Igor stared at him, mouth slightly open. Milo, too, was looking at Archer like he was some kind of hero. I must say, I joined the fan club.

"By the way, that was a nice uppercut, Igor. Right on the button," Archer added, glancing at him with his trademark smirk.

"Yeah! I did it like you showed me—you know, from the hip!" Igor seemed proud of himself, still running on adrenaline.

I listened to their conversation in complete shock, while simultaneously feeling a wave of happiness wash over me.

Not only were Igor and Archer actually talking to each other like normal people, but Archer had also worked with Milo to gather solid evidence against those boys—to protect my son and prove his innocence. Incredible.

Even though Igor had treated him so badly, Archer never let that deter him, showing a much more mature approach than me, as I regularly snapped at him and let myself be provoked.

He continued protecting Igor in the best way he could—by teaching him how to defend himself when he had no otherchoice—and also ensured that the school wouldn’t be able to delete the recordings if anything happened.

When we got in the car, I glanced at Archer as he drove, his face calm and composed.

My gaze drifted over his strong, masculine profile, the sharp cut of his jaw, and his large hands gripping the steering wheel.

Archer must have sensed me looking because he shot me a quick glance.

"Thank you," I whispered, squeezing my thighs together to stop my hole from clenching.

"For what?" he asked.

"For everything."

"There’s no need. I’m his guardian."

"And yet…"

Archer didn’t respond. Soon, we arrived home, Milo accompanied us.

The younger boys weren’t back yet—after everything that happened, Igor had been sent home early. So I was surprised when, as soon as we stepped onto the driveway, he turned to Archer and asked, "So, are we training today?"

"Of course," Archer answered with a wink.

Later that same afternoon, Igor’s bedroom door was put back in place.

I was a bit surprised when he went there with Milo, and they played computer games together. Obviously, their friendship had also gained something from the whole situation.

Did that mean the permanent end of Igor’s rebellious phase?

I hoped it was at least a solid step in that direction.

That evening, I went to Archer’s room. As usual, his door was open. He was sitting on the bed, wearing nothing but his boxers.

That made me happy—it was a sign that something had changed also between us.

His blue eyes locked onto mine, glinting with quiet amusement.

"You weren’t angry today, despite Igor’s involvement in the fight," he said in a low tone.

It was my turn to smirk. I stepped closer without saying a word—it wasn’t needed.

He was still sitting at the edge of the bed, in the perfect position for me to wrap my arms around his neck.

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