Page 96 of The Devil's Hunt

Archer’s gaze never faltered from our surroundings as we left the office. His hand lingered on the small of my back, a possessive gesture that sent shivers down my spine. He sat on his throne and pulled me into his lap as we watched the crowd, but mostly watched each other.

“I think we just missed the best show in town," Kai said, shaking his head.

Archer chuckled, not taking his eyes off me. "You two need to get out more."

I sat on Archer's lap, feeling the warmth of his body against mine, the taste of him lingering on my lips.

As we sat together, the conversations of those around us slowly faded into the background. I looked up at Archer, his eyes never leaving mine, filled with a depth of emotion that I couldn't quite comprehend. His hand gently caressed my hair, brushing it away from my face, and I felt a warmth bloom inside me.

“You look tired, baby.”

“I’m exhausted.”

“Then let me get you to bed.”

“I need to find Lacey and make sure she gets home safe.”

“Lacey left with that guy in the blue mask about twenty minutes ago,” Theo remarked, drinking a glass of champagne. “She said to tell you she’d call you in the morning. Something about getting the best dick she’d ever had.”

“Oh, okay. Come to bed with me?” I turned to Archer, nuzzling in his neck.

“Anything for you,” he promised as he kissed my forehead.

Interlacing his fingers in mine, he led me upstairs and into our bedroom. I stepped out of my heels, and he unzipped my dress, letting it fall to the floor. He looked at me, taking in every curve of my body, and I could see the hunger in his eyes. I watched as he peeled off his shirt, tossing it to the ground. As much as I wanted to feel hismouth on me again, I felt like I was going to pass out, the alcohol and pills finally catching up to me. Archer scooped me into his arms, carrying me to the bed. He gently lowered me down, tucking me in, and I snuggled into the clean, soft sheets. I reached up and touched his face, my fingers finding their way to his lips, and he leaned down to give me a gentle, lingering kiss.

“Stay with me.”

Archer smiled softly, his eyes meeting mine as he whispered, “Always.”

He climbed onto the bed, curling around me, one arm draped over my waist, the other resting above his head. I snuggled closer, feeling his body heat enveloping me.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too," Archer whispered, his voice deep and laced with tenderness. "Forever, baby."

38

THIRTY-EIGHT

MILA

Sleep eventually claimed me, wrapped in his loving embrace. When I woke, it was to the sound of birds chirping and the early morning sunlight streaming through the curtains. Archer was still lying beside me, his eyes closed and a contented expression on his face. I reached out and ran my fingers through his tousled hair, a small smile tugging at my lips. A wave of gratitude washed over me as I watched him stir awake. He pulled me closer, wrapping me in his arms.

“Good morning,” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

“Good morning,” I replied, feeling a rush of warmth at the sight of him looking at me with such tenderness.

But as I shifted to get up and start the day, a loud knock on the door shattered the peaceful atmosphere. Archer stirred beside me, his eyes fluttering open with confusion and caution. We exchanged a quick glance before he got up, his hand brushing mine reassuringly. I held my breath as he made his way to the door. My heart pounded with a sense of unease.

Theo and Kai’s voices spoke low and urgent, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. I wrapped a blanket around me andapproached them, my ears perking up when I saw Archer’s shoulders tense. Kai and Theo stopped talking and wouldn’t meet my eyes.

“What is it?”

Archer’s expression darkened, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face before he composed himself. He turned to me briefly, his eyes locking with mine.

“Archer, what is it?”

He hesitated momentarily, his jaw tight as he looked at me, his eyes filled with worry.

---