His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 162

"I think I'll pass. I have to—"

"They house a massive collection of original Eastern European criminal psychology manuscripts," Archer interjected, his pace unhurried but heavily persuasive.

Virginia didn't respond.

She definitely needed those documents.

Doctor White's research group was missing this exact reference material, and the original texts were impossible to find back in the States.

Hesitating for only a second, she agreed.

...

The National Library was an old Baroque-style building with high domed ceilings and soft interior lighting. As soon as one stepped inside, a sense of peace naturally washed over them.

Virginia found the materials she needed in the third-floor archives. Her eyes lighting up, she picked out five books and carried them to the reading area.

Archer sat across from her. Seeing her enthusiasm, his gaze softened for a fleeting moment.

A laptop sat by his hand, the screen displaying contract terms Zachary Cole had just sent over.

Separated by the wide desk, they each focused on their own work in complete silence.

Time flew by.

Two hours later, they walked out of the library.

Virginia was wearing a cream-colored, mid-length fitted puffer coat. She felt plenty warm, though the tip of her nose was a little red from the cold.

"Archer!"

A familiar, delightfully surprised voice called out from behind them.

They both paused, stopping in their tracks to turn and look.

Virginia's hands clenched into fists at her sides, but she didn't call him out.

However, if one looked closely, her spine was painfully stiff.

"Are all Americans this subtle when they date?" Katya took a step closer, looking directly at Virginia. "Ms. Caldwell seems... a bit cold toward you."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Virginia frowned and turned her head. Under Katya's resentful glare, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to Archer's cheek.

From Katya's angle, it looked incredibly affectionate. What she couldn't see was that right before her lips made contact, Virginia had raised her thumb, wedging it firmly between her mouth and Archer's skin...

When Virginia leaned in, her faint, crisp scent of white tea washed over him.

Archer swallowed hard, his hand in his pocket curling into a tight fist involuntarily.

Katya's expression darkened, but she quickly forced a bright, innocent smile and blinked.

"Actually, it's no big deal. The UK is very open-minded. It's totally normal for a man to have multiple partners. I wouldn't mind sharing with Ms. Caldwell, I—"