Attraction

Lavina–POV

In the shower, my mind wandered back to the kiss with Archer. His smug smile annoyed me, showing he knew I was falling for him, and I hated admitting he was right. I've never let his flirting affect me, but this time was different. Archer and I always shared a tense connection, but I had never felt this weak before, craving more of his attention.

Wrapping a towel around myself, I changed into clothes and walked into the hallway, drawn by the smell of delicious food and laughter from the kitchen. Grandpa and Alice were there, cooking and joking around. It was heartwarming to see Grandpa so lively.

"Dinner's ready," Grandpa announced cheerfully.

"You should've rested more," I told him, eyeing a tempting fried chicken.

"I've rested plenty," he insisted, helping Alice. I gave him a skeptical look. "I'm fine. Stop worrying," he reassured me, his face looking healthy and not at all pale. Convinced, I grabbed a hot piece of chicken, biting into it with a delighted moan.

"Goodness,