It’s a random Wednesday about a month after the homecoming dance when Neil slaps an envelope down on the kitchen table. Mia and I are eating lunch and are confused. I’m more confused when the envelope has my name on it. “What’s this?” I ask. “Stipend,” Neil says. He’s very blasé and continues to
Thursdays, Archer watches Mia while I’m in class. Every time I’ve gone to pick her up, there’s been some altercation. From him screaming at me about combat club to our secret kiss in the library, pick-ups from Archer are never easy. I don’t know why I expected today to be any different. I knock
That night, I rest in my bed, desperately trying to keep my thoughts under wraps. In the quiet, I cannot help from remembering Archer’s breathy whisper. You’re mine. He is a raving, arrogant asshole who does not deserve my late night thoughts, let alone my desires. But my body unfortunately has
I should walk away. This beat-down has nothing to do with me, and for all I know, this guy could deserve it. Not to mention, the Hayes brothers would absolutely hate it if I inserted myself into any more fights. And though their opinion on the matter isn’t the most important to me, I should probab
Maybe they won’t notice, is my hope-filled second thought, which is, of course, ridiculous. The bruise already stings so badly it even pulses some. It has to be big and red and ugly. Archer and the rest are definitely going to notice. So I would just have to hide it from them. I had no idea how I
I frown at him, not at all liking where this conversation is going. “Yeah?” “Do you think they would lend me the money I need? If it would save my life?” They only thing that keeps me from laughing is the fact that this guy might honest to God die. The Hayes brothers? Giving out money? Saving so
“Who did this?” Archer’s voice is like fire and ice water at once, burning with fury but at the same time doused with the chilling promise of vengeance. It’s almost be flattering in a way, except the root of his anger is based strictly on possession. Like a spoiled child annoyed that someone else
I like the way he’s looking at me. I want him to keep looking. “You will stay there until you be a good girl and tell me the truth of what happened to you.” His voice is husky rough. I’d like to think he’s not unaffected by the sight of me like this, but he could just still be angry. “Guess we’l