As I walked, each step causing me excruciating pain, the conflicting voices in my head reminded me that Adele was Mark's sister. They urged me to turn back, to stick to the plan. But I couldn't recall ever denying myself anything, and the desire to see Adele before I crashed overwhelmed any rational thinking. Yes, she was going to be my nurse, a terrible plan I had consciously orchestrated, knowing I was throwing her into a dangerous situation. But she was the enforcer's sister, and once she arrived at my house, there was no other role she could play but that of my nurse. I had to play my part and distance myself from her, for both our sakes. But before the mask came on, I had this one chance to speak with her, to connect.
Clutching the key card in my hand, I stood in front of her suite's door. Common sense dictated that I didn't need to knock, but I did so anyway, a deliberate act to jolt myself back to reality. Minutes ticked by, and I contemplated turning back, leaving and getting my wound checked out. Almost giving in to that compelling urge, the door was suddenly pulled open, halting my retreat.
Adele stood before me, wearing a pajama top that barely reached above her knees. The loose fabric couldn't hide her full chest and wide hips, causing the image of her bare chest to flash in my mind once again. It was a challenge to resist the temptation to reach out and claim her, to taste her inviting lips.
"Archer?" she called out softly, her voice hesitant. I extended my hand, and her gaze lowered to the small package I held.
"You need to call Mark, and tell him you're here and safe," I said, my voice unusually deep, my eyes locked on hers.
"That's a new phone..." she observed.
"It is," I replied with a smirk.
"And the latest iPhone... I can't accept that..."
"You need a phone if you're going to work for me..."
"It's not a real job, though... and I want to discuss that with you," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Would you like to come in? You look exhausted." Her raised eyebrow added a touch of sass, and I couldn't help but appreciate her spirit returning.
She stepped back, and I strode into the suite as she closed the door behind me.
"Thank you for allowing me to stay here for the night... It wasn't what I had expected," she expressed.
"What were you expecting?" I inquired, walking towards the chest at the foot of the bed and taking a seat on the foam-padded top.
"Anything but this," she replied honestly.
"You should get used to it if you're going to be hanging out with the Donovans," I commented casually as I retrieved the phone from the package. Holding it out to her, I asked, "Your SIM?"
She hesitated for a moment, fidgeting slightly. I raised my eyes to meet hers. "Look at it as a necessity," I said. She sighed and hurried to the walk-in closet, returning with her SIM card retrieved from a broken phone. I assisted her in inserting the SIM into the new phone, deliberately avoiding direct eye contact.
"I was thinking instead of staying at your place, I could just stay on campus..."
"Did you run this by Mark?" I questioned.
"Yes..."
"What did he say?"
"He's stubborn once he's made up his mind about something..."
"If staying on campus was a better option, I'm sure Mark would have agreed," I replied.
"So, you think pretending to be your nurse is the best solution?"
"Why, Miss Adele, you did play that part quite well earlier this evening, if I recall correctly."
"That was different..."
"Why didn't you tell him? Why didn't you tell Mark that we met earlier, and you were possibly followed because you helped me?"
"I... I didn't want him to know about the phone."
"What about it?" I pressed, watching her closely. She lowered her gaze and started to fidget.
"I'd rather not talk about that, if it's all the same to you," she said, avoiding the subject. I nodded, the image of the house she shared with Mark flashing in my mind.
"It's my fault you were attacked. I thought I should make sure you're protected," I confessed, observing her as she swallowed softly.
“Why didn’t you tell him then?” she asked.
“I figured it was your story to tell…” I replied, giving her a searching gaze and she didn’t reply, It seemed we were in agreement on that point. "Here, call Mark," I said, handing her the phone. As her fingers brushed mine, an electrifying thrill shot through me like a lightning bolt, causing my lips to part as I breathed. Our gazes locked and held.
I had been around women long enough to recognize desire, but the dark turmoil in Adele's eyes went beyond mere lust. It made me crave not only her body but also to be the sole focus of her gaze. Amidst the pain I was feeling, an intense longing to hold her close mingled with it.
She took the phone and stepped back, turning away as I listened to her dial her brother. I needed to leave before I did something that would put both of us in danger. While she was still on the phone, I rose from the chest and made my way to the exit.
"Okay, good night, Mark," I heard her rush as I pulled the door open. Just as I was about to leave, her voice called out urgently, causing me to turn around with a raised eyebrow. And then, to my surprise, she ran towards me and embraced me tightly. For a brief moment, I stood there, frozen, fighting the overwhelming sensation of her softness against me and the intoxicating scent that enveloped me, clouding my senses. "Thank you," she murmured against my chest, her words barely audible.
Raising my hands, I found myself unable to resist the urge to gently frame her face. Adele tilted her face back, meeting my gaze with her beautiful eyes. The intensity of the moment consumed me, and I couldn't deny the desire that surged within me. Lowering my head, I pressed my lips against hers, savoring the softness and sweetness of her mouth. The kiss was passionate and all-consuming, stirring a whirlwind of emotions that left me intoxicated with pleasure. Yet, amidst the bliss, a nagging voice grew louder in my head, reminding me of our reality—that she was Mark's sister. A low growl escaped my lips as a surge of conflicting emotions battled within me. I couldn't allow myself to be carried away by this momentary pleasure. I reluctantly pulled back, forcing a smile, and resisting the urge to let my gaze linger on the enticing outline of her straining nipples beneath her clothing.
"You're welcome," I rasped, turning away, but not before catching the confusion and hurt in her eyes. Walking down the hallway, the pained expression in her eyes played over and over in my mind. Whatever illusion she held of me would shatter in the morning, and the inexplicable tightness in my chest only intensified. I was Archer Donovan, and soon enough, she would come to understand the weight of that name.
Stepping into the elevator, I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath. The taste of her lingered on my lips, a bittersweet reminder of the passionate encounter we had shared. My tongue traced over my lips, momentarily savoring the remnants of her essence. It was a fleeting indulgence, a final taste of the unreal sensation that had consumed us both. With a firm resolve, I bit down on my lower lip, grounding myself in reality and pushing aside the lingering desire.
As the doors slid shut, enclosing me in the solitude of the elevator, a final warning echoed in my mind. It urged me to reconsider my plans, to let Adele have her wish, and ensure her safety by speaking with Mark. The notion flickered through my thoughts, momentarily softening my heart. But then, with a resolute determination, I hardened my resolve. No, I told myself fiercely. I could resist her allure. She was no different from the countless other women I had encountered—a fleeting temptation that would fade in a matter of days. It always does, I assured myself, banishing any doubts that threatened to seep in.