“There’s no need to wear lingerie. He’ll appreciate it more if you go bare.”
“Okay, byeee, love you!” I say, pressing the End Call button. I love that girl to pieces, but her lack of filter makes for someinterestingconversation.
I let out a puff of air, shoving my phone into my pocket and walking to my closet. Suddenly, I regret hanging up with Saffron because I have absolutelynothingto wear.
My face heats as I take in the glorious specimen standing in my doorway.
“Wow,” he breathes, eyes darkening as he drags them slowly down my body. I decided on a lacy bodysuit Saffron loaned me a while back that I’ve never had the excuse to wear. It’s low-cut and pushes my breasts up in just the right way, making them look even fuller than normal. I paired the bodysuit with a cute black denim skirt and ankle booties, wanting to look cute but not overdressed. “You look fantastic.”
He takes a step into my apartment, his presence magnetic, powerful. Archer slides his hands around my waist, his head dipping low to kiss the pulse point on the side of my neck.
“Good enough toeat.” He nips my earlobe, and I yelp, jerking back at the sensation. Archer holds me tight, moving his mouth along my jaw, leaving heated kisses in his wake.
Finally, he presses his mouth to mine, and the world shatters around me as I lose myself in the feel of him, his touch, his kiss. When he pulls away, it’s much too soon, but I’m rewarded by the sight of Archer's heart-stopping grin.
“How do crepes sound?” he asks, brushing his lips against mine.
“Ilovecrepes!”
“I heard about a spot that makes the best ones. I have a table waiting for us there, and three other restaurants just in case you were in the mood for something else.”
It’s like I won the lottery. “That’s sweet of you. Crepes sound great.”
At that moment, my stomach growls, prompting Archer’s grin to widen. “We’d better not waste any time.”
“Oh my God, this is heaven!” My eyes roll back as a moan echoes in my throat. I just had the most delicious strawberry crepes inmy life, and though I’m stuffed, I can’t help but shove more into my mouth. “I can’t believe I didn’t know about this place!”
Archer stares from across the table, his dark eyes trained on my mouth as I take another large bite. “I’m glad you like it.”
I gesture to his half-eaten plate. “Do you not like yours? We can switch!”
“I’m hungry for something else.” The way he says it has heat coiling low in my belly. I shift in my booth, all too aware of the blush creeping up my neck.
“Here.” I pass my fork across the table, aiming for his mouth. “Try mine.”
Obediently, Archer opens his mouth, taking the bite of food I offer. His lips slowly wrap around the fork, and he pulls back, never taking his eyes off me as he chews and swallows.
“Well?”
“Everything tastes better when you’re feeding it to me,” he says matter-of-factly. “It’s not fair.”
I giggle. “How’s that not fair?”
He doesn’t smile. “Because you’re ruining me, and it’s supposed to be the other way around.”
Before I get the chance to ask what he means, a strange man steps up to our table, making me momentarily forget about Archer’s strange words. He looks to be somewhere in his mid-fifties, with a thick gray beard and a full head of salt and pepper hair—though, it’s more salt than anything else. He’s dressed in a crisp white button-up and black slacks, with his muscles clearly defined through the sheer fabric. Despite his age, he clearly takes care of himself, and with his strong jaw and striking blue eyes, he’s the definition of a silver fox.
“Excuse me for interrupting,” he says, ice-blue eyes fixed on me, and me alone. “I was wondering if I could have a moment alone with?—”
“What in thefuckare you doing here, Viktor?”
I flinch, turning to Archer with wide eyes. For a second, I’m convinced he’s been swapped with a different person—unable to reconcile this vicious man with the one I was just having breakfast with. His expression is twisted in fury, his words dripping venom, laced with a kind of malice that sends a shiver of fear down my spine even though it’s not directed toward me.
“Archer…”
Archer blinks, quickly schooling his expression. He clears his throat, his eyes creasing with an apology. “Excuse me, Grace. I was just… surprised…” With a glower, he turns his attention back to Viktor. “How can I help you,Viktor?”
Viktor's icy gaze shifts between Archer and me. “I need to talk to you about… some business.Alone,” he adds pointedly.
