The Fall (5 page)

***

Archer had no idea what Addison liked, so he ended up cooking a whole lot of everything. Steak, chicken, four salads, potatoes, and even grilled fish.

Jake had gone out somewhere, waggling his eyebrows and unabashedly handing Archer a box of condoms. His parting line was something along the lines of, “Make sure you satisfy your woman Archius, or she may wander into my room in the middle of the night. Who am I to deny a woman her wishes?”

That was about the time Archer threw the box of condoms at Jake’s head. Jake merely chuckled and wandered off to do fuck-knows-what with fuck-knows-who.

Archer was suddenly grateful he lived with only one of his many brothers. A lot of Nephilim bought massive houses and shared. Although Jake and Archer had done so in the past, they preferred it just the two of them

“What’s so funny?” Addison asked, making her way from the shower to her bedroom with a towel wrapped around her body and another around her head like a turban. Archer’s mouth went dry at the sight.

Her lush breasts clung to the wet material, which reached mid-thigh, giving Archer a stunning view of her shapely legs. He forced himself to swallow and regain comprehensive thought.

“Nothing relevant. Food is ready when you are,” Archer said, surprised that his voice was only a little rough.

Addison seemed to notice her state of undress, and a light flush came upon her cheeks.

“I’ll just be a second.”

***

Addison dressed quickly in sweats and a camisole. Damn it, she thought, should’ve let Kitty take me to Victoria’s Secret when they had those sales. She let out a sigh and came to the now empty kitchen.

“In here,” Archer called from the dining room. Addison was speechless when she saw at least ten different dishes set out on the table.

“Mother of crap, this is amazing. Are you feeding an army?” She marvelled. She looked at her watch, and saw that showering and dressing had taken an hour.
How the hell did he cook so fast?

“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I thought I’d be safe and go with a bit of everything,” he answered, acting as if this was the most obvious course of action. Addison was struck by his thoughtfulness.

“Thank you, but you should know I eat pretty much anything that Kitty hasn’t been near,” Addison said seriously. Archer’s lips twitched, though she had hoped he might smile or laugh.
What will it take to make this strong man smile?

“Well, that’s reassuring. Why don’t you take a seat? Would you like wine, water, soda, or something else?” he asked, standing up from his seat.

“Water would be wonderful, thank you.”

He retrieved a large jug of water and poured two glasses. Addison wasted no time and began serving herself a generous portion. She took a bite.

“Oh, wow, this is amazing!” she gushed. “How the hell did you learn to cook like this?”

“Just something I learnt over the years,” he replied enigmatically. “I’ve been cooking for a long time.”

“Ah, yes. You are, what, twenty-five?” she asked somewhat sarcastically.

His mouth quirked before he said, “Give or take.”

A comfortable silence settled in during which Addison ate heartily. She hadn’t had a home-cooked meal since she moved out of her parent’s house, and to say she missed it was an understatement. After eating her second helping she looked up to find Archer staring at her with a rapt expression on his face.

Immediately self-conscious, Addison grabbed the napkin and wiped her mouth. “What?”

“Hmm, I love a woman who can eat,” he said, eyes glowing.

“Gosh, then you’ll be in love with me in no time,” she replied without thinking. Her words elicited a frown, and Archer’s lips tightened.

“So, tell me about yourself, Addison,” Archer said briskly.

“First, call me Addy. And ask away,” Addison said, confused about his change of tone.

“Where did you grow up?” Archer asked.

“I was born in India, which is where my mother is from. My dad is Irish, and he met her when he was doing missionary work there. They got married, had me, and moved here when I was six,” Addison told him. Encouraged by his unwavering eye contact, she continued. “Dad is a paramedic, and Mum teaches history to high school kids. I’m an only child, so I tend to enjoy solitude. I’m studying law, and you already know that I bartend on weekends. That’s about it.”

***

Heavens, she’s beautiful,
Archer thought. Seated across from him, Addison was a vision.
What could Malachi want with her?
Her long hair was almost black when wet and curled delicately around her ears and face. He had to clench his hands together to stop himself from tucking a strand behind her ears. She had a slight lilt in her voice that he hadn’t noticed before but now credited to her background. It was beautiful and soothing; Archer could imagine such a voice crying out in passion. 

A light breeze blew through the open window, and Archer’s admiration turned heated when her nipples tightened against her thin shirt. She wasn’t wearing a bra. His desire must have shown on his face, because she looked down and let out a soft squeal before folding her arms over her breasts.

Archer took a sip of water to hide the smile that threatened to erupt across his face at her reaction and distract himself from the view of her taut buds.

Clearly to change the subject, and hide her embarrassment, Addison asked him, “What is that language you and Jake speak? It’s beautiful, but I can’t pin it.”

Shoot
.

“It’s our father’s language; we learnt it when we were young. It’s not particularly widely spoken anymore, but our father was a traditionalist,” he said, trying to import as little bitterness as possible into his words.

“You didn’t get along with him?” Addison asked. Apparently, Archer hadn’t hid it as well as he had hoped.

“I barely remember him,” he said, hoping it would be the end of the conversation.

“So what do you do for a living?” she asked. “Your house is stunning.”

“Thank you. Jake and I provide security services,” he answered. That was not a complete lie, if not only a partial truth. “Would you like something for dessert?”

“Oh, yes please,” she said shyly.
Damn, that smile will let her get away with murder
, Archer thought.

“I’ll be right back,” he said.

***

Trying to let go of her mortification over the ‘fripples’ incident, Addison uncovered her arms and attempted to act natural. She had gotten so used to living with Kitty that she had forgotten to put on a bra. Not particularly desirable when you have large breasts. To make things worse, all she wanted to do was reach over and touch Archer, so when he went to the kitchen, she tried to collect herself.

Archer came back with two bowls filled with chocolate mousse and strawberries. Despite the feast she’d just devoured, her mouth watered for a taste. Archer smiled knowingly and passed her a bowl. Spooning some into her mouth, Addison let out a low groan.

“Archer, I have never tasted anything as delicious as this. You are amazing.” She took another huge spoonful.

“I can think of one thing that would be much more delicious,” he said, his tone low. Addison almost choked before drinking water to soothe her spluttering. Archer merely raised a brow at that before Addison ducked her head and resumed eating more systematically than before.

After she had finished and all but licked the bowl clean, she started collecting the empty plates and dishes from the table. The food was almost finished, and she was rather embarrassed to realise that was thanks to her. Oh well. Archer had said he loved a woman with an appetite. Addison was just hoping hers remained with food, because an appetite for something else was suddenly growing.

Archer stopped her and said, “No, let me.”

She merely slapped his hand away and pointedly told him, “The cook doesn’t clean.”

He looked somewhat baffled, yet amused by her behaviour. Addison told him to go shower while she cleaned up. It took him a bit of convincing, but eventually he conceded. Praise be to small victories.

Chapter 7

Addison was inattentive even on her best days, but today she did her best to stare at the lecturer and not the fine specimen seated next to her. Archer was wearing a black sweater that did nothing to hide his broad shoulders and muscled arms. Black jeans were tucked into black leather combat boots, and the effect was devastating. Every woman in the room was sneaking glances at him, but from the corner of her eye, Addison could see Archer was oblivious. She made sure to stare at the lecturer, knowing that if someone asked her a question on what was being said she would only be able to mutter unintelligibly.

He had been insistent that he or Jake accompany her when she left the house. Jake had plans for the day, so now Archer was her designated babysitter.

She began doodling on her notebook absentmindedly. The forms started taking shape, and soon enough two startling eyes, framed with thick black lashes, stared back at her. After shaping sensual lips she realised who she was drawing and screwed the paper up immediately, sliding a glance at Archer who had been staring at the desk where the paper had been. Addison’s cheeks burned, and she went back to looking at the lecturer. 

At the end of the lecture Addison was gathering up her things when her professor came up to her.

“One moment, Miss O’Donnell. I hope you don’t mind, but I submitted your paper on the Separation of Powers doctrine to a few law journals,” Professor Kintag confided. “One is interested in publishing your work and would like your permission to do so.”

Addison stood there somewhat speechless before replying. “Ah, yeah, for sure. That sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for even considering me, Professor,” she said.

“You are quite welcome. If you wouldn’t mind signing the rights to publish, I have the form on my desk,” Kintag responded, moving back towards the desk to open the drawer. He pulled out some papers and handed them to Addison.

Addison shoved her backpack into Archer’s awaiting hands and hastily signed her name and the date onto various papers before leaving the lecture room, still in shock.

“Congratulations,” Archer said with a smile.

“Oh, thanks,” she said meekly. “I really didn’t expect that. I had just been hoping to pass. You know, ‘Ps get degrees’ and all that.”

“Then I guess you’re a natural. I don’t doubt that you deserve it,” he said, opening the door. “Hungry?”

“Always,” she said with a small smile.

***

They sat down in a booth and began browsing through the menu. The waiter approached their table, and his eyes were focused on Addison. Archer said nothing. Addison wasn’t his. Yes, he was attracted to her, but he had no business controlling who did or didn’t look at her.

“Are you ready to order?” the waiter asked, still staring unabashedly at Addison. Archer looked at the guy and noticed that he wasn’t bad looking. He had tawny hair that was strategically messed up, his eyes were dark brown, and he was of average height.  Archer wanted to kick himself for even caring about something so stupid.

Addison looked up at the waiter politely. “Hi, yes. Um, could I please get a chicken burger with extra fries and a side of nachos? Oh, and an apple juice, please.”

“Sure,” the waiter responded with a leisurely smile and begun walking away.

“Wait,” Addison called, her cheeks burning with colour. “Ah, that was just for me. Archer, what would you like?”

The waiter’s brows drew up in surprise, as if he hadn’t even realised Archer was there. When his eyes drank in the huge sight of him, he stood a little straighter and looked at him expectantly.

Archer gave him points for not paling.

“Just a Coke, thanks,” he said shortly, expecting the man to leave.

Instead, the waiter looked back to Addison and smiled slowly. “I’ll push your order up so that you don’t have to wait too long.”

Addison shook her head. “No need, take your time,” she said, making the waiter smile before she said, “We aren’t in any rush, are we Archer?”

Archer smiled and touched her hand, making her eyes widen slightly and the waiter scowl. “Not at all.”

The waiter left quickly, but Archer didn’t move his hand.

“What was that?” Addison asked.

“What was what?” Archer asked innocently.

Addison looked pointedly at their hands, and said, “That.”

Archer removed his fingers from where they rested gently and shrugged nonchalantly. “Nothing.” What the hell was he doing? First he goes all He-Man on her, then does a three-sixty.

Addison was about to respond when the waiter came back, drinks in hand.

“For you,” he said, handing the apple juice to Addison, “and for your boyfriend?” He put the Coke in front of Archer with less finesse.

“Oh, he’s not my boyfriend,” Addison corrected, glancing at Archer as if he would challenge her.

The waiter beamed, and Archer resisted wiping the grin off his face. Was he actually upset with her denial?

“My name is Mark. I think I’ve seen you around campus, actually,” he said, turning to face Addison directly, effectively cutting Archer out.

Addison smiled. “I’m Addison. You probably have. I don’t think I’ve seen you around, though. What’s your major?”

The man’s smile didn’t waver. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m in my second year of nursing.”

Archer smothered a laugh at that. Addison noticed and shot him a glare.

“I’m in my third year of law, so that would explain it.”

“Our food?” Archer cut in, tired of watching their pleasantries.

The waiter glowered at him before turning to Addison. “It won’t be long.”

After the man left, Addison turned to Archer.

“What is your problem, Archer? That was so rude!”

“He’s all but drooling all over you,” Archer remarked.

Addison stared at him for second before replying, “And why should you care?”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t,” Archer retorted sharply, careful not to lie.