His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 64

After grumbling, she glanced up at Archer, who was drinking alone, and a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes.

"Ginny, you don't know your way around this club. I really hate leaving you alone."

Virginia patted her hand reassuringly. "It's fine. Go see Thomas. I'll just wait for you here."

"That's so boring..." Clementine dragged out the word, then suddenly pivoted to Archer. "Mr. Vanderbilt! You know this place better than anyone. Be a gentleman and show Ginny around. It's a massive venue, and I don't want her wandering alone."

"There's no need, I—"

"Oh, stop being so stubborn! I'll be worried sick otherwise."

Clementine shook Virginia's arm pleadingly.

Virginia could never withstand her friend's puppy-dog tactics. She surrendered instantly.

Victorious, Clementine released her with a grin and tossed a pointed look at Archer.

Archer had stayed silent the entire time, but he smoothly set his wine glass on the nearest table.

Spotting the opening, Clementine's eyes lit up, and she sprinted off, her heels clicking rapidly against the marble floor.

Virginia and Archer had absolutely nothing in common to talk about. She internally debated whether she should lay down some boundaries or just walk away entirely.

Archer met her gaze, his voice deep and steady. "Let's go. I'll show you around. There's a terrace upstairs that's much quieter."

Virginia hesitated for a couple of seconds.

The hall was deafeningly loud, and she hardly knew anyone. Rather than standing awkwardly in the corner, getting some fresh air seemed like a better option.

...

The terrace on the sixteenth floor.

The moment she stepped outside, the view opened up spectacularly.

The city was blanketed in darkness, a sprawling sea of glittering lights stretching out into the horizon.

Virginia walked over to the edge, resting her hands on the freezing metal railing. A gust of night wind slipped past the collar of her black sweater, making her shiver instinctively.

The subtle rustle of fabric sounded from behind her.

She watched in absolute awe, her breathing hitched slightly from the breathtaking view.

Archer stood next to her, but his gaze was entirely captivated by her radiant profile illuminated by the bursts of color.

Her delicate features usually projected an aura of coldness and unyielding stubbornness.

Yet in this moment, bathed in the fireworks' brilliance, her eyes sparkled like scattered stardust. The raw wonder softening her typically aloof demeanor.

Drinking in the sight, he clenched his fist inside his pocket for a second before slowly letting it relax.

The fireworks launched in waves, lasting for nearly five glorious minutes.

After the final burst faded, Virginia looked down, suddenly realizing she was still strangling his coat. Her death grip had even left deep wrinkles in the expensive fabric.

A flash of embarrassment hit her, but she held it out again anyway. "Your coat."

Archer's eyes glinted as he finally took it.

The heavy material still carried the lingering trace of her body heat and her signature cold fragrance. His grip tightened, but he didn't put it back on.