“I think you’re smart to continue negotiating.”
“And that’s all I’m doing?” I placed a hand on my hip. “Negotiating a business deal?”
He stared at me like I was dense.
“I have to live with a stranger who—”
“Drugged you and choked you, right?”
“No. Well, that too.” I shook my head because I didn’t like him finishing my sentences or putting words in my mouth. “But I don’t even know where I am.”
“Paradise Grove. It’s not a secret. Name your requests, Mia. Quickly.”
It made sense that, like most parents I’d encountered at Blackstone, he was rushing me. They were intelligent, successful, and thought they knew exactly what was best for their children. He must certainly think he knows best regarding everyone under his roof too.
“I’d like Archer to be here.”
“Archer?” His eyebrows shot up in surprise.
“Yes. He was with me at the school,” I pointed out. They must trust him, and he must have known Jameson, because he seemed to have a direct line to him. “I think he’s capable. Does he know your house?”
“Yes, but—”
“I’d likehimto give me the tour then, if possible. Instead of this man Hades—who I don’t know—ushering me around, I think Archer’s capable of continuing to keep me safe.”
“Over my recommendation and over me?” Suddenly Mr. Knight looked appalled. “He works with Xavier on a daily basis—and Xavier pointed a gun at you.”
“Archer wouldn’t have let him shoot me.”
“Mia Darling,Ididn’t let anyone shoot you.” His words trickled down my spine and were laced with a sort of venom.
“I trust him,” I repeated, trying to stand my ground eventhough Jameson’s gaze was now wild with something more. “Honestly, it was Archer’s job to keep me safe over the past month. He succeeded in that.”
“I disarmed Xavier in literally a second and could do the same with Archer, Mia.”
Did he think this was some sort of competition? “Well, I think Archer could take you. And maybe Xavier was giving you the upper hand because you pay the bills and all.”
“Even if that were the case, which it’s not,” he made sure to clarify, “you shouldn’t want a man that’s willing to give you up for his paycheck as your last line of defense.”
“He’snotmy last line.” I crossed my arms. “I, myself, am my last line of defense.”
“Are you trained in combat?”
“No, but I’d like to be. I want classes if I’m to stay here. Or at least someone to take me to a range of some sort.”
His smile was completely pretend as he said, “That’s not necessary.”
“That wasn’t an inquiry. These are myconditions. You can take them or leave them.” And if he was anxious to leave, I’d be fast to push him out. “That’s all. You can go.”
Instead, he grumbled under his breath, “You’re so concerned about having Archer here, you’re not even thinking of food? You haven’t eaten in over a day.”
The thought of eating anything made me queasy. I wrinkled my nose. “I’m not sure I can eat.”
“Well, you need to try,” he commanded, his blue eyes snapping up at me in authority. Then he sighed and offered, “If you don’t get food in you, the side effects will be worse. How about soup?”
I think my face probably turned green.
“Bread? It’s fresh from this morning,” he tried again.
