Page 79 of The Devil's Hunt

When I returned to Archer, he had this look on his face that set me on fire. He cupped my face with both hands, his deep green eyes burning with desire and admiration.

"You just made my dick so hard," he growled, his lips grazing my forehead.

As we arrived back at our table, Kai and Theo offered their silent nods of approval, and Archer pulled out my chair for me and helped me sit down.

"I wish you would have let me kill him," he grumbled, running his hands gently up and down my back, sending goosebumps across my skin.

"If I had, then you'd be in handcuffs."

"I'd make prison orange look good though," he teased with a chuckle.

"I wouldn't survive this life without you next to me," I confessed, feeling the weight of Alexander's words pressing against my chest like a suffocating pressure.

"You won't have to."

"He said my father invited him. Do you know what he's talking about?"

Archer's expression turned serious. "We think your father is working with him."

"Who is he to you, and why is he here? At the quarry, he said he would enjoy taking me from you. And then, just now, he said ‘we own your father,’ and he was counting on you to kill my father and come after him."

"I will tell you everything you want to know, but not here. Not now. It's not safe."

"Promise me, Archer. I can't take any more secrets or hidden agendas tonight. I've had enough of them from my father."

"I promise, little rabbit." He kissed me tenderly, and I embraced him.

Archer was mysanctuary.

Myprotector.

He had been a part of my life long ago, and fate brought us back together. I wouldn't let anyone take him away from me this time. Least of all, my father or any of hisassociates. I listened to conversations,watched my friends dance, and thought about everything that happened that night. I felt drunk and vulnerable.

"What's going on in that pretty head of yours?" Archer asked, caressing my cheek and turning my face toward him. "Talk to me."

"Take me home, Archer."

"Are you sure?" he asked, concern etched in his beautiful features.

"God, yes."

"Let me tell the boys. We can say goodbye to our parents and go," he said, standing up and taking my hand as I followed him.

"I have nothing to say to my father, so let's just say goodbye to yours," I told him as we walked.

"Okay, baby."

After quickly settling plans with the boys, Archer led me through the crowds of people to his father's table. My father watched us intently, but I ignored him and turned my attention to Cassian and Eleanor instead.

"Thank you so much for coming." Eleanor hugged me tightly and whispered, "I am so glad you are back in our lives. In Archer's life. You have no idea how much he needs you. Your mother would be proud of the woman you've become." She pulled back and kissed my cheek softly. "Archer, bring her to dinner soon."

"I'd love to," Archer smiled, gently pulling me closer to him possessively.

"Thank you for being so kind to me, Mrs. King," I said gratefully.

"Eleanor, honey. Please," she insisted with a warm smile.

"Yes, ma'am," I nodded respectfully.

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