His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 114

"Let... let go of me."

Archer didn't waste a single breath. He closed the distance in three strides and clamped his hand down hard on the man's wrist.

The man gasped in pain, panic flaring in his eyes. "What are you doing? Let go!"

The thug didn't recognize Archer, but terrified of drawing a crowd, he didn't dare pick a fight. His face turned pale as he yanked his hand back and bolted.

Suddenly losing her support, Virginia slumped sideways. Archer frowned, ignoring the fleeing coward as he quickly reached out to catch her.

Her entire weight crashed against his arm.

She was burning up, a thin sheen of sweat coating her forehead and the curve of her neck.

"Archer...?"

She tilted her head back, struggling to focus her hazy vision. It took her several seconds to recognize the man holding her.

He frowned. "Are you alright?"

Virginia dug her nails into her palms, her voice breathless. "Help... help me, somebody slipped something in my drink..."

A dangerous shadow crossed Archer's face. Without asking another question, he bent down, scooped her up into his arms, and strode toward the exit.

Virginia tried to squirm out of his grasp, pressing her hands weakly against his chest. Stripped of all strength, it felt more like she was caressing him.

"Put... put me down..."

"Quiet."

He pulled the car door open and slid into the back seat with her still in his arms.

Zachary shot them a rapid glance in the rearview mirror before instantly snapping his eyes back to the road.

But his white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel betrayed his shock.

"Drive to the nearest hotel."

Not daring to waste a second, Zachary slammed on the gas. The car sped off into the night.

In the back seat, an overwhelmed Virginia kept squirming, unconsciously tugging at her own clothes to escape the heat.

Archer forced himself to look away. He grabbed a glass of ice water, crouched down in front of her, and pressed the cold glass into her hand.

"Ginny, drink some water. It'll make you feel better."

He didn't even realize how incredibly hoarse his own voice sounded. Beneath his usually calm exterior, an uncontrollable surge of desire was beginning to take hold.

She leaned forward and took a sip. Her hands were shaking so badly that the rim of the glass clicked against her teeth, making her wince.

Archer's eyes darkened, his Adam's apple bobbing. He reached out to steady her hands, helping her drink.

But as if all her strength had suddenly vanished, Virginia slumped sideways, her wrists going limp. The entire glass of ice water splashed directly onto his lap and down his thigh.

The glass tumbled onto the sofa cushions, soaking the fabric. An icy chill instantly seeped through his slacks, sticking uncomfortably to his skin...

Archer froze.

Seemingly aware she had made a mistake, Virginia groggily tugged at her collar, murmuring, "I'm... sorry..."

He didn't move. He merely stared at her, the dark depths of his eyes igniting with a dangerous flame.