His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 273

Virginia gripped the fabric of his shirt tightly, her breathing erratic.

The clean, intoxicating scent of his Oud & Bergamot cologne mixed with his distinct masculine pheromones completely overwhelmed her senses.

The horror film continued, the terrifying sound effects echoing relentlessly in the enclosed space.

Virginia refused to look up, the corners of her eyes flushed red.

But slowly, she realized Archer's breathing had grown heavy and uneven.

A moment later, warm lips pressed against the top of her head. The kisses trailed down through her hair, agonizingly slow—her forehead, the space between her brows, the tip of her nose...

Finally, they hovered right at the corner of her lips.

Virginia's eyelashes fluttered. Maybe she desperately needed a distraction from the fear, or maybe she just didn't want him to stop. Either way, she didn't pull back.

That silent permission darkened Archer's gaze. Cupping the back of her head, he captured her lips completely.

It started as a tentative brush, but quickly lost all restraint, fueled by months of suppressed desire.

He parted her lips effortlessly, sweeping in to greedily claim her taste.

"Mmph..." Virginia gasped against his mouth, her hands pressing into his chest to push him back, but she was no match for his strength. He only pulled her tighter against him.

Archer's kisses trailed from the corner of her mouth, down her jaw, and landed on the sensitive expanse of her throat.

Virginia tilted her head back, a shiver of electricity racing through her veins. Her entire body melted against him.

She bit her lip hard to swallow down the soft moan building in her throat.

The temperature in the home theater seemed to skyrocket, the air growing thick and heavy.

"Ginny..." Archer finally pulled back, burying his face in the crook of her neck, his chest heaving with ragged breaths.

The motion-sensor strip lights flared to life, casting a dim glow that perfectly highlighted his striking features.

"Get some sleep," he said, standing beside the bed. His voice had returned to its usual cool cadence, though a faint huskiness still betrayed him. "If you need anything, call me. I'll be right next door."

He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, before turning on his heel and striding out of the room, clicking the door shut behind him.

Virginia's face burned like fire. Her mind was entirely consumed by the memory of that aggressive, intoxicating kiss and the way he had effortlessly carried her upstairs.

She rolled over, burying her face in the pillows, forcing herself to squeeze her eyes shut and sleep.

...

Virginia woke up early. Dressed in a light purple silk loungewear set, she had casually clipped her long hair back, giving her an effortlessly relaxed look.

She stood at the kitchen island, meticulously dicing fresh avocados.