Page 145 of The End of Me

My heart stops almost the same way it did when I saw Piper being held by the asshole. “Please don’t go. I need you, D.”

“What’s your deal with Piper?”

I shrug. “She’s dream girl.”

“What?”

I rub my forehead. “I’ve lied to you for years. I do remember one thing.”

“What?”

“A girl. I remember a young woman. She’s probably between eighteen and twenty. Her hair changes in my dreams. She’s like a chameleon. Her laugh is magical, and her eyes enchanting. They’re purple in hue when she’s…” I close my eyes and huff. “I remember her. Every time I wanted to give up, I would close my eyes, and she’d be the reason I would continue living.”

“What does that have to do with Piper?”

I poke my temple. “Don’t you get it? The only thing I remember is Piper Cooperson. She’s my only memory. I called her dream girl. Until I realized she was real. It was that night I saw you at the subway. You told me her name. After I googled her, I understood my attraction to my publisher, the musician, and your boss. It was the same person. Also, I just know it’s her.”

“Did you watch her play in the subway?” He frowns.

“Yeah. The point is that my gut knows Piper has something to do with my accident.” I touch my head. “The one where I ended up with amnesia. She was probably an operative for The Organization. Did you see how she moved earlier when they were attacking her? I think she fucked me up, and that’s why I almost died and can’t remember shit.”

“Were you in New York a week or so ago?” He glares at me.

I nod. “Dad was in town. Why?”

“Did you follow her in the subway?”

I arch an eyebrow, not understanding his anger. “Well, yeah. You weren’t there to protect her when she went to give away the money. She’s going to get herself killed. It’s stupid, but I have the fucking need to protect her. It’s like she has a fucking spell around my heart or soul.”

I don’t see it coming. Derek’s fist connects with my jaw. “It’s you. Fucking Archer St. James. If I didn’t love you, I would fucking kill you right now.”

My eyes open wide. I don’t know what shocks me more, the fact that he calls me another name, his anger, or the fact that he said he loves me.

He loves me?

Who the fuck is Archer St. James?

And what am I supposed to do with Piper? Is she going to survive?

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