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“We ran into the living room. Nothing was there. Granny was sitting at the table, her fake smile in place. There were four presents in front of her. She broke the news; our parents went on vacation. She didn’t call it that; she was still trying to make excuses for them, but I knew their work trip was a lie. She claimed the packages were from them, yet they didn’t know how much I wanted a particular doll. Granny did.” I sigh. “I went along with the lie. My hope broke that day. We spent two weeks with Granny, and had the best time. She loved our cards and still has them hanging in her house.” I shake my head. “It was silly, but I kept the ones I made for them. I wanted to remember that Christmas. I never wanted to forget their disregard for our feelings. It was a hard lesson, but I learned it well. From that day on, I protected myself.”

“Shit, baby.” Archer walks around the counter and turns me into his arms. “I’m amazed by your resilience.”

“What choice did I have?” I bury my nose against his chest.

“Many,” he says gruffly. “You could have become like them or closed yourself off from love and friendship. They use people, and you give your light to everyone.”

“That’s sweet,” I hum, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“I’ve never been called sweet.” He bends his head and rubs his cheek against my head.

“They must not know you well.” I believe Archer barely knows himself. “We just met, yet I know you're filled with love.” I lift my head, and our lips are a breath apart.

“Yeah?” he says roughly.

“Yes. I’m so thankful you're my soul bond.” I lick my lips, and his focus snaps to them. “You don’t realize what a good man you are.”

“We’ve talked about choices. You didn’t close yourself off because of your parents, but I did.” He looks into my eyes.

“Perhaps in some respects,” I whisper. “But you let Rome in, and his family. They would disagree with you.” I lean forward and talk against his lips. “All the others you held at a distance weren’t meant to be in your life. I am. We are meant for each other. Let me in.”

“You’re in.”

Emotions swirl across his face, and it’s not hard to read. He wants to believe. In me. In the bond. Yet, it’s hard to break the need to protect yourself. I understand, but I want him to lose control with me. I want to be the safe place he's been searching for. I’m grateful that he's had a home with Rome, but I can give him things they can’t. True love is attached to a lifelong bond. I have no reservations. When he walked into the store, I knew it. I'll give this man everything. Every part of me will be his. Once I'm devoted, I'll never let anyone take it away.

A knock disrupts the kiss I'm sure he was going to initiate.

“Shit.”

We turn our heads toward the door.

“Mateo,” I mumble.

“And Rome and Mara.”

“I smell food.” I focus on him.

“We don’t have to let them in.” He lifts a brow.

“Tempting.” I bite my lip, and his arms tighten. “It would be a shame to let the food go to waste, though.”

“I’ll order more food,” he grumbles.

I smile. “Mateo is doing us a favor. We don’t want this warlock guy to show up.”

“You’re right. I forgot for a moment.” He slides his arms away and moves.

We stare at each other, and I want to jump back into his arms and screw everyone else.

The knock comes again.

I can’t hurt them. Besides loving them, we need their help. The quicker we can get rid of the problem, the faster I can spend days locked inside with Archer.

I want more than a kiss. I want every part of my soul bond.

Chapter Eleven

Savy