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“Taking you wherever you need to go.”
“I can do it myself.” He shifts slightly, and I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck.
“Although I know you’re capable, please let me take care of you.” A soft kiss is placed on my forehead, whereupon he asks, “Where do you want to go, my lady?”
“The garden, if that’s okay with you.”
Archer stands a few feet away, a storm of rage brewing in his eyes as he watches us.
His adoptive father warned me that he was gentle but unpredictable. He recommended I tread lightly while I get to know him. But do I want to get to know this man? I just want my old Arch back.
Is that possible?
ChapterFourteen
Piper
Derek stepsout into the garden of the mansion with me in his arms. The warm sun shines down on my face. My focus is drawn to the vibrant flowers that line the pathway, which captivate my attention. Bright red roses, vibrant yellow lilies, and delicate white daisies—all in full bloom—are here in abundance. The sweet scent of the garden perfumes the air as Derek makes his way further in.
Derek gently sits me down on the wooden bench placed under the lush green branches of the beech tree. Its surface is cool against my skin, and I let out a relieved sigh. The sun filters through the trees, providing a much-needed break from the heat. I close my eyes, listening to the calming sound of trickling water gently flowing down a nearby artificial pond.
I let out a deep sigh, feeling the tension in my body start to dissipate. The garden is perfectly maintained, with neatly trimmed hedges and perfectly tended foliage. It is a tranquil and serene space that offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
I sit frozen in the garden. Opening my eyes, my gaze locks on Derek as he stares back with a gentle understanding in his eyes. I take a deep breath and fight back an overwhelming wave of emotions.
“Are you okay?” Derek asks, concerned.
“No,” I say, my voice cracking.
“You should take your pain meds.”
I look away, shaking my head. “It’s not just the pain from my leg or ribs… it’s him.” A lump form in my throat as I glare at Derek. “How long have you known him?”
“Finnegan?”
“Archer, his name is Archer!” Tears prick the corners of my eyes as the name passes my lips.
“Remember the case I mentioned, which was classified?”
I nod. “The guy who woke up from a coma and couldn’t remember how to speak or eat?” I mumble.
He nods in response. “That’s him.”
I close my eyes against the tears and the tightness in my chest. Through gritted teeth, I say, “All this time, you had him. You knew where he was.”
Derek shakes his head in response. “I had no idea it was him.”
What am I supposed to do now? I don’t want to ask, but I stare at the foliage, hoping to find an answer in it or expecting a miracle.
“Are you upset with me?” Derek asks in a low tone.
“No. I mean, you and I are no longer friends, so…” I shrug a shoulder.
“We can…”
I glance at him. “Can we? I don’t know where to go from here, Derek. I’m confused and…” I touch my heart. “He doesn’t even know me and he acts as though he doesn’t like to be around me. It fucking hurts.”
“He doesn’t know who you are to him.”
