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Chapter Twenty-Three
Daphne
Two Days Later
I woke up with Archer in my bed. He's been caring for me since I came home from the hospital. Holding me and not letting go. It was a horrible night, one of the worst but certainly not last. I kept waking up from the demons that Grey instilled in me. And all the other demons that I suffer from. But Archer was there through it all. Holding my hair when I threw up, holding me when I just laid there crying. It was emotional, to say the least. I now know what some victims go through. I can't believe Grey is the one who actually killed Rory.
He hid so well, but I found his name on the Veterans Hospital list. He was a surgeon before he became an agent; who would've thought that he would be using those skills to murder someone. I guess he knew the guy from his time at the hospital and told him he would kill his family if he didn't confess. Making a whole backstory with the girl that Rory was dancing with. The other guy is getting let out, finally being reunited with his family.
It's scary that an agent would do that. But Archer isn't any better; I mean, look at where Grey is now. It's probably in a ditch or the bottom of the river. Somewhere that the police can't find him to incriminate Archer. Archer didn't stop after the first shot; it was overkill, to say the least. I've never seen him that angry. I'm not that angry to shoot someone multiple times. Three bullet holes. Three when it could've just been the one in Grey's leg, and he could be in prison as we speak. I'm split down the middle with how I feel about it. I'm glad he's gone, not terrorizing anyone else, but the thought that Archer did that.
Right now, he's in the kitchen making me breakfast. Something for my strength or some stupid shit. I feel fine, though. Don't get me wrong, I still hurt immensely, but the pain started dulling during the night. The bruises where Grey slapped me look worse than they feel. I know that when Archer saw them this morning, he flinched. He probably feels like a failure for not getting to me sooner. My side is still in pain, but the doctors said no fractures. That's good for my healing time. Who could've known that Grey would do something like this? All he ever did was try to get me to like him. To try to date me. And after my lab that day, I guess he started planning my death. Mine and Archer's death. Don't have to worry about that anymore.
Getting up from my bed is getting a little bit easier each time I do it. I know that what I'm going to be asking Archer for is going to be tricky, so I need to stay strong. Going into the kitchen, trying not to limp as bad, I find Archer over the stove. He's in just sweatpants, and his back looks amazing from over here. His hair is unkempt but in a perfect way. It's like he just rolled out of bed.
"What are you doing out of bed?"
"I wanted to get out; I've been in there for two days. I want to actually walk and see something other than my bedroom walls. And that damn daybed because when I see it, I think nasty thoughts. And I know you won't abide by them until I'm fully healed."
"You got that right. It's for my peace of mind. Not that I don't think you could handle it."
"Mhm. I did have another favor to ask of you?"
"What is it, my impatient girlfriend?"
"I got the email that the results came in for the skull markers. I need to go to the lab to get them and send them to Nisa. I promise we can come right back here, and I'll take the rest of the week off." My stomach sinks. Please say yes. I need to know.
"Daph, you already have your mind set on this. There's no changing it now. We can go. But after breakfast and a shower, okay?"
"I can settle on that." I know I need him there to see the results, but why does it feel so awful.
"Come and sit. I'll serve you."
"Such a gentleman." I go to the table. I need Cordelia to redye my hair soon. But I'm thinking of a different color other than the usual pink. I'm thinking red. Red for revenge. Red for empowerment. I should've grabbed my phone to text her. It's still on my bedside table charging.
Archer gives me a plate. Turkey bacon, an omelette with
some grilled veggies, and cheese. Paired along with two slices of toast and an orange juice. Mm, it looks delicious. I start to eat while Archer finishes his. I have been eating so much more than usual. Trying to get back my appetite from before the kidnapping. It helps that Archer knows how to cook.
He sits down across from me, and we finish eating together. Delicious. After we are done, Archer takes our plates.
"I'm guessing you want to go sooner than later?" He gives me that look. The look that he gives me when he thinks he's all-knowing.
"Preferably. But we can shower first. Together?" His eyes darken at the thought that just went through his mind. So, I'm not the only one thinking about him and his body.
"Is this a trick to seduce me? Because it won't work. You need to heal a little bit longer."
"Yes, yes, I know, but I just figured it would be easier this way. We can conserve time and water." I give him a devilish smile.
"Fine. But no funny business." I wouldn't think of doing anything of the sort.
"Deal." He grabs my hands to help me up and walks next to me to help if I need it. We get into my bathroom, and he starts the shower. I begin to strip. Taking off my pajama bottoms and my tank top. Archer watches me. His eyes rake down my body. But ultimately lands on the bruise that's along my stomach. When will that thing go away?
"I'm not as fragile as you think. You know that, right?"
"I know. But I am fragile when it comes to you. I want you in no pain when I take you." I feel my cheeks heat. He strips out of his sweats. And I come to see his toned body in full. Gorgeous. He is simply delightful.
"Shall we get in?" His voice is an octave deeper. He holds the shower curtain for me with one hand and the other one on my hip to help me step in. I feel the water on my skin, and it is incredible. Hot showers have helped me heal so much. Both mentally and physically. The water feels fantastic on me. It casts all my worries
