“They’re top-tier,” Hawk said quietly, surprising them all. “I’ve done security consulting for a few of their partners. Sea Guardian has a clean track record. Transparent operations. They’re legit.”
Morgan blinked. “Wait—really?”
“Really,” he confirmed.
A slow smile curved her lips. “That’s... good to hear.”
Archer didn’t say a word, but he felt something settle in his chest as he watched her speak—like watching someone inch closer to the life they were meant to live.
“They’re doing an event this Friday,” Viper added casually, though Archer caught the slight glance in his direction. “Fundraising gala for their marine protection initiative.”
Morgan leaned forward, interest sparking in her eyes. “Really? I hadn’t heard about that.”
“Bullet’s taking you,” Viper continued, ignoring Archer’s warning look. “He asked me to arrange for appropriate attire.”
Morgan turned to Archer, surprise evident on her face. “A gala? This is the first I’m hearing about it.”
Archer made a mental note to throttle Viper at the next opportunity. He’d been planning to invite her properly tomorrow, after her meeting with Alexandra, when hopefully she’d have good news to celebrate.
“I was going to ask you tomorrow,” he admitted, trying to salvage the situation. “After your meeting with the Alexandra Winters. It seemed like something you’d enjoy, given your interest in meaningful work.”
Morgan’s expression shifted from surprise to delight. “A Sea Guardian Foundation gala? That’s... perfect, actually. I can’t believe you remembered that.”
“I pay attention,” Archer said simply, echoing her words from days earlier, which was seeming to become a habit.
The phrase lingered between them for a beat longer than it should have, weighted with more than casual meaning.
Because he had paid attention. To everything. Every glance, every offhand comment, every light in her eyes when she spoke about wanting more than corporate marketing. And he knew—knew down to his marrow—that this gala wouldn’t just be a night out for her. It would be a glimpse into the life she truly wanted. A step toward something that mattered.
And he would be the one beside her.
Unmasked.
By then, he’d tell her who he really was. She’d have to know. A private gala hosted by Sea Guardian’s top-tier donors meant media coverage, photo ops, familiar faces from both their worlds, and he’d been asked to do the opening spech. There’d be no hiding behind helmets or aliases that night.
The thought twisted something in his gut.
He wasn’t afraid of her knowing him. Not anymore. But he was afraid of what that truth might cost. Would seeing his real face—the name, the money, the weight of public scrutiny—change what they had now? Would she still look at him like this, like he was a man worth trusting, worth choosing, once she knew everything?
But when he looked at her, radiant even in a simple afternoon light, he knew the answer.
Yes, it was a risk.
But she was worth it.
Every damn risk.
The conversation flowed easily from there, each of his friends revealing small pieces of themselves as lunch progressed. Diesel talked about restoring vintage motorcycles, his passion evident in his animated descriptions. Hawk discussed his interest in sustainable security solutions for communities in environmentally sensitive areas. Viper, ever the most reserved about personal details, shared his appreciation for traditional craftsmanship in an increasingly mass-produced world.
Kane, to Archer’s surprise, engaged Morgan in a detailed conversation about personal security practices that somehow avoided being condescending or fear-mongering. He offered practical advice about her apartment security once she returned, suggestions delivered with the matter-of-fact tone of someone who genuinely wanted to help rather than frighten.
Throughout it all, Archer watched Morgan respond to each of them with genuine interest and thoughtful questions. She wasn’t performing or trying to impress his friends—she was simply being herself, the same remarkable woman who had captured his attention from the start.
“Your friends are wonderful,” Morgan told him quietly as the others argued good-naturedly about the best route back. “Thank you for sharing them with me.”
“They like you,” Archer replied, the simple truth warming him from within. “They don’t let people in often.”
Morgan laughed, the sound lightening something in Archer’s chest that had been heavy since discovering her apartment had been violated. Despite the complications, despite the secrets still between them, moments like this felt real in a way little else in his compartmentalized life did.
