His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 169

"I said," Virginia looked up, her tone perfectly calm and her gaze crystal clear, "I don't want your money."

Katya's eyebrows shot up. She opened her mouth, then snapped it shut.

Leaning back against her chair, she crossed her arms over her chest, a look of pure disbelief washing over her face.

"I've lived twenty-six years, and this is the very first time someone has refused my money."

She scoffed. There was no actual anger in her voice, only a bizarre sense of offended novelty.

Virginia offered a slight curve of her lips but kept quiet.

Suddenly sitting bolt upright, Katya braced her hands on the table and leaned in. Her blue eyes sparkled as if she'd just hatched a brilliant scheme.

"Ginny, do you honestly believe Archer is your only option?"

"?"

Katya smirked. Raising her hand, she clapped twice.

The crisp claps echoed sharply in the quiet café.

Before Virginia could process what was happening, three tall, young men strutted down the aisle and lined up in front of her.

One was a blonde, blue-eyed guy with a razor-sharp jawline, wearing a simple white tee and faded jeans. Even through the thin fabric, the rippling lines of his six-pack were unmistakable.

Another had dark brown curls, deep dimples when he smiled, and striking mixed features, shooting her a shy, flirtatious look.

The last one was the ultimate knockout—maybe eighteen or nineteen, lean and tall with jet-black hair and intense sapphire eyes, exuding a brooding, melancholic vibe.

The three men gave Virginia synchronized, gentlemanly nods.

Virginia was stunned silent. "..."

"Well?" Katya dragged out the word, pointing at the men one by one. "This one's a model. He's a race car driver. And the youngest right here—his family owns a bank in Vienna."

"They're younger than Archer, way more fun than Archer, and..."

"..."

Virginia cast her eyes downward, absolutely refusing to engage.

Her silence caused a flash of something complex to cross Katya's blue eyes.

A few seconds later, she let out a laugh.

His long fingers wrapped around hers. The grip wasn't punishing, but it was inescapable.

Virginia clamped her lips shut, paralyzed in place.

If she couldn't figure out that this entire conversation was a setup, she would have wasted years working as a psychologist!

Unable to stomach their blatant romantic tension, Katya rolled her eyes.

"Archer, I just did you a massive favor. Taking me to dinner isn't too much to ask, right?"

"Sure."

Sensing Virginia subtly trying to pull her hand free, Archer tightened his grip, his thumb slowly stroking across the back of her hand.

He didn't let go.

...

Dinner was at the Western restaurant on the second floor of the hotel.

Katya was a regular. The maître d' practically beamed when he saw her, ushering them right to a premium window booth.