Archie’s laughter cuts through the air and my heart sings a song of triumph.
Heisin there, after all!
‘I miss the kids too,’ I admit, ‘Even if they are a handful. I miss Sasha. And even Ryan. But I don’t miss living in their shadows, being fussed over like a fragile child, and wrapped up in cotton wool.’
‘I can understand that,’ Archie nods, darting between passing pedestrians.
‘It’s a first world problem, but I never signed up for this life of fame and fortune. All I’ve ever wanted is a normal life since I was a little girl. To be a doctor. To do some good in a world that’s overflowing with badness.’
‘It’s really admirable,’ he says between ragged breaths.
It’s the closest he’s come to issuing a compliment since he arrived.
‘Is it though? Or is it self-serving in some ways?’ I have no idea why I’m opening up to Archie right now, but it all pours out. ‘Is it that I need to prove to myself, and the entire world, that my life has a point? That I’m something? Like, am I really trying to save lives, or am I trying to save myself? Do you know what I mean?’
He probably thinks I’m crazy. Hell, maybe I am. I just haven’t quite found my place in this world yet. My curious brain is as interested in the human psyche as the human form.
Archie’s pace quickens and my legs burn trying to keep up with him. ‘Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Like, was me signing up for the army honourable? Or because I wanted to be seen as honourable? My dad always said I didn’t have what it took to make it as a soldier. In the end, he was right. But either way, whether it’s honourable or self-serving, the outcome is the same. Youwillsave lives, Victoria.’
‘Just like you did in the military.’
His eyelids press closed for a beat and when he opens them again, he ups the pace once more, leaving me struggling to breathe, let alone talk. I’m not naïve enough to think it’s a coincidence.
When we finally get back to the house, panting like we’ve done twelve rounds in the boxing ring… or bedroom—a girl can dream, right?—my next-door neighbours are hovering in their doorway, laden with more designer bags than I can count.
I raise a hand, clutching the wall as I catch my breath.
Kristina and Marissa moved in last month. Glamorous, elegant and eternally in heels, I’ve yet to see either of them without a full face of make-up, their matching blonde bobs perfectly coiffed by a professional volumizing blow-dry.
Together they own a high-end women’s lingerie boutique on the corner of George Street. Their chic style and class would be intimidating if they weren’t both so lovely.
I’ve been meaning to invite them over for drinks, but between college and my placement, I keep missing them.
‘Fair play to you.’ Marissa assesses my running gear with awe. ‘I don’t know how you do it every day.’
‘It’s addictive,’ I confess, tightening my ponytail. The running,andspending time with my sullen security guard.
‘So is sex,’ Kristina snorts, lasciviously eyeing Archie as he stretches against the wall next to me.
Huh. I wouldn’t know. It’s been so long I think my vagina has closed over. I wasn’t entirely joking about sleeping with Harrison. Even if I would have to pretend he was someone else. Someone who would be across the corridor listening to every subtle bang of the headboard.
‘So is champagne,’ I add. ‘I’ve been meaning to get you over for a few glasses.’
Kristina stares at Archie like he’s the last cream cake on the baker’s shelf. I can’t blame her, but it still irks me.
‘Oh, that sounds heavenly.’ Marissa’s bright blue eyes dance with delight. ‘We’d love to, wouldn’t we, Kris?’ She nudges her friend, who is still unashamedly ogling my bodyguard.
‘Are you going to introduce us?’ Kristina finally manages to drag her tongue back into her mouth.
‘Oh, sorry. This is Archie. He’s my…’ I trail off, not knowing what he is. Bodyguard? Friend? The man I’ve been obsessing about since he walked into my house three days ago?
Archie finishes his stretches and steps between us. ‘I’m Victoria’s bodyguard.’ The way he annunciates the wordbodyguardimplies there’s way more to it than that.
‘Lucky bitch,’ Kristina whispers with a wink. ‘I was envious when I found out Ryan Cooper was your brother-in-law but, oh my God, this guy right here.’ She talks about Archie as if he can’t hear her, exhaling a low whistle while pretending to cool herself down with an imaginary fan.
Archie’s expression remains neutral as his palm settles on my spine again, nudging me towards my front door. That potent desire blazes through every cell again. Heat creeps into my cheeks as I wave goodbye to the girls. ‘I’ll let you know about that party.’
Kristina’s voice carries through before my pink front door fully closes. ‘They are definitely sleeping together.’
