Page 20 of His to Claim

I suppose it’s possible, but I’m certainly not going to suggest a one-night stand no matter how epic I know it would be. However, if she brings it up and agrees to my stipulations then there’s no way in hell I’d be able to resist.

Ball’s in her court,I think, my eyes growing heavy, the crackling fire lulling me to sleep.

And the asshole part of me is really hoping she tries to seduce me again.

9

CARLOTTA

Sleeping alone in Archer’s bed, I turn onto my back and sigh. After thinking everything over and picking it all apart, I come to one conclusion: Archer likes kissing and touching me, but he doesn’t like that I’m a Rossi. For whatever reason, he’s putting his loyalty to my brothers first, over his desire for me. It’s the only explanation for why he keeps pulling away since he discovered my true identity.

And that isn’t acceptable.

Somehow, I’m going to convince him to give me a chance and let go of whatever is holding him back. It’s not fair or right that my brothers dictate my love life. I am a grown-ass woman and should be allowed to sleep with whomever I choose. They sure always have done whatever they want when it comes to the opposite sex.

A part of me feels rejected, though, and it’s a horrible feeling. But I truly believe Archer is only hesitant because our family is powerful and intimidating. I refuse to give up so soon because I’m pretty certain he likes me. And this man interests me on every level and all I want to do is get to know him better. So that’s my plan. For the next few days I’m going to smother him with charm and as much sex appeal as I can muster. I plan to use every tool in my arsenal to wear him down.

The next morning, I launch Operation: Activate Archer’s Libido. I decide it’s the little things that might inevitably push him over the edge—brushing past him, lightly touching him when the opportunity arises, flirting shamelessly, telling him I appreciate everything he does, letting him catch me checking him out and any other opportunity I find.

At the end of the next day, I realize he’s a very stubborn man. Any time I came close or had the chance to touch him, I took it. There were so many moments that I saw heat and interest flicker in the depths of his dark eyes, but then he’d douse it so fast my head would spin.

By dinner time, I am beyond frustrated and trying to figure out what else I can do. The situation is starting to feel hopeless, but I knew it would be a challenge and I am not giving up.

There isn’t a whole lot in the pantry, just some non-perishable items, so we end up making some boxed macaroni and cheese. I find a pan and put the water on to boil while Archer sets the table with bowls and silverware.

“How often do you come up here?” I ask, trying to make conversation.

“It’s been a few months,” he answers, plucking out two bottles of cold water from the fridge. “I like getting away from the city, but I’ve been busy lately.”

“Busy with a girlfriend?” I keep my tone as innocent as possible, but if he tells me he has a significant other, I’m going to raise hell.

“What? No.” His face screws up in a frown. I press my lips together, but don’t comment further. “Just so you know, if I had a girlfriend, I wouldn’t have kissed you.”

“Twice,” I remind him.

“Yeah. Plus I think we did a little more than kiss,” he mumbles under his breath.

“At the party.” I give him a wicked smile.

“I remember.” Our gazes lock. “Quite clearly.”

“I thought you liked me.”

“I do like you.” He frowns, leans a hip against the counter. “Why do you keep doubting yourself?”

“Habit.” I really don’t want to get into Rendall right now. I grab the box of pasta and dump it into the boiling water. Reaching for the spoon, I slowly stir it so it doesn’t stick to the pan. “Am I not a good kisser?”

“What?”

I shrug a shoulder. “You haven’t tried to kiss me again today, so it makes me wonder what I did wrong. Other than being a Rossi, of course,” I add slyly.

A muscle flexes in his cheek.

“Because I’m thinking that’s the problem,” I state boldly.

“I told you, I’m not scared of your brothers. But, out of respect for them, I am going to keep my distance from you.”

“Why?”

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