Page 12 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus
"I'm sorry," I mumble.Why the hell isn't the floor opening up and swallowing me whole?
A loud echoing bang fills the air as someone knocks on the door to their suite.
Archer's warm breath fans over my neck as his heat cocoons my back. He tilts his head, grinning down at me.Gosh, I've put on quite the show.
Connor immediately heads over, opening the door.
There's a man in combat boots, very dark jeans, and a polo shirt with the wordsecurityembroidered on the chest. He’s leaning against the door frame. His blond hair is long—longer than even Murphy's hair—and it's pulled up in a bun on the back of his head.
"Hey, boss," the man says in a jovial tone. He cracks an easy smile. "Eileen found these in the library. She asked me to bring them up since I was clocking out." He holds out a packet of papers and several books.
"I think those are mine," I say, taking a few steps toward the door. Archer's hands finally leave my hips.
Connor steps in front of my path. "Yes—thank you, Luke."
"Guess they found you," Luke says, ignoring Connor. "You had all of us worried. I bet you were great at hide and seek when you were a kid." His eyes sparkle with mirth. He's got a deeply Southern accent, and dimples when he smiles.
I take the last few steps and skirt around Connor. Luke hands me my stuff.
"Thank you," I say, spinning around and giving a little wave. "I'm so sorry for the hassle I caused."
"It was no trouble," Archer says. He pulls at the bottom of his vest. It causes his powerful shoulders to flex under his jacket, and I lick my lips.
Get yourself together.
I'm supposed to be focusing on packs in the program… Ones I might actually have a chance with.
"Could someone point out where we are on the map?" I ask, glancing at the papers in my hand to refocus my attention.
"No way, darlin'," Luke says with a laugh. "I'm headed down that way. I'll be happy to walk you to your room."
"That would be great, thanks." I give one final wave. "Have a good night."
"We'll have dinner delivered to your room," Connor says. He glares at Luke. I actually take a step back.
"T-Thank you," I stammer.
"Of course," Connor says, his tone much friendlier. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."
"Right this way," Luke says, extending an arm. We head down the hall, and I very quickly realize I have no idea who this man is.
"You, uh, work here?" I ask as Luke heads down the stairs.
"I do," he confirms, glancing at me over his shoulder. He stops several steps below me and spins around. "You hauled ass outta there pretty quick. You also smell like stress. Did my bosses do something to make you uncomfortable?"
"No." I shake my head. It causes my glasses to fall down my nose, and I shove them back up. "I have a bad habit of embarrassing myself." I laugh awkwardly. "You showed up just in time to help me make a quick escape."
"Lukas Hall," he says, extending a hand. My hand finds his and we shake.
"Everly Chastain, but I guess you know that if you spent the afternoon searching for me."
"Yeah." He laughs. "Now that we've made introductions, I'll ask again. Did my bosses do something to make you uncomfortable?"
"No," I say, swallowing thickly. "But thank you for trying to look out for my safety."
He nods. "It's my job."
Oh, okay. That makes sense.
