Page 81 of The Devil's Hunt

Archer held my hand tightly, his eyes full of admiration as he tilted his glass toward my father, who, in response, reluctantly raised his glass in a toast.

"To your mother's legacy and the bond between our families," he said through gritted teeth.

Archer turned back toward me with a smug smile and pressed his lips against mine. "Mygirl has talons."

A sly smile spread across my face as I pressed my lips against his, relishing in the electricity that sparked between us. He pulled me closer, deepening our kiss. Surprised by his reaction, I braced myself for his anger and disappointment.

"You're angry at me?" I asked breathlessly when we finally pulled apart.

"I'm torn between rewarding you or punishing you," he murmured against my lips.

Archer's grin widened, his emerald eyes full of mischief and dark promises. He didn't answer directly but instead took my hand and led me off the stage toward his parents and our friends, eagerly waiting for answers and offering congratulations on our impending marriage. I didn't have time to think about his reaction, not with everyone circling us and asking questions all at the same time.

"Archer, why didn't you tell us about your engagement?" Eleanor asked, pulling me into a tight embrace.

"Wewanted to keep it a secret, but now seemed as good a time as ever to announce it," he lied, keeping his eyes on me.

Eleanor's eyes filled with tears. "Your mother would be so happy.Weare so happy, aren't we, Cassian?"

"Yeah. We are elated," Cassian responded, eyeing both Archer and me suspiciously but smiling like a kid in a candy store.

My father was nowhere to be found, and I was glad for it. If he came near me again, Archer may very well decapitate him. Eleanor rattled off plans to take me shopping and how she would help fill in since my mother couldn't. But only if I wanted her to. She discussed wedding colors and ideas for venues. I swear she didn't take a breath.

I felt sick.

What have I done?

I just lied to get back at my father, and now I had to keep up with this lie or risk disappointing my mother's best friend. I looked at Archer, and he could tell that I was getting overwhelmed so he pulled me from Eleanor's grasp.

"I am taking Mila home with me. Mom, we will call you soon."

He gave Kai and Theo a warning glance to go along with our lie and led me out of the ballroom and out to the limo. I didn't take a full breath until we had left the city. Archer watched me, waiting for me to say something. On the contrary, I waited for him to tell me how he felt—anything to quiet my racing heart and keep me from vomiting all over the back of the limo.

But he didn't.

He remained silent, his arms resting on the top of the seat in a deceptively calm manner. As we pulled up to the mansion, I was tempted to run away from him, remembering the last time he punished me. He did say that he wasn't sure whether to reward or punish me, which made my mind run through a wide array of potential scenarios. My stomach threatened to purge itself of the copious amounts of alcohol that I had ingested that night. He opened the door and waited for me to leave the car.

Run or follow him?

I was startled when he said, "Get out of the car, Mila."

I hesitated.

"Now."

Stepping out of the car, he pulled me close to him, leading me into the house, his arm tight around my waist. The closer we got to his room, the more it felt like Simone Biles was performing her Olympic routine in my stomach. Archer locked his door behind us and released his hold on my waist. I stood rooted in my spot while he casually strolled to the bed. He removed his shoes and his socks and threw his jacket to the ground. I watched him loosen his tie and pull his shirt out of his pants, all while keeping his attention on me.

"What have I done?" I said, more to myself than to anyone else. "Archer, I wanted to get back at my father, but I lied, and worse, I brought you into my lie. I am so sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"Come here," he demanded, his voice stern.

"Wh-what?"

"Come here, Mila."

I raised my tear-filled eyes to meet his gaze, and I shivered at the intensity of his stare. I pulled my heels off and walked over to him.

“Get on the bed.”

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