Wreck Me (Savage Bosses)

Chapter Seven

Archer

Celebration Time

I’ve done well to avoid creating more friction with Tahani. As much as I wanted to walk into her apartment after the accident and wreck both our worlds, achievements like the one we hit this week would be impossible if I let an office romance get in the way.

We’ve both somehow managed to refocus on the company, keeping our personal interactions limited. And today, we hit a major goal. Tahani’s brainchild, Zeenith, passed every quality and licensing inspection, officially certified and ready for distribution. It’s a win worth celebrating, so here I am, out with the entire team enjoying drinks on me at the bar.

The pounding music and chatter hit me as soon as I step inside, the room buzzing with energy. My team is scattered around, drinks in hand, laughing, relaxing. They deserve this. But my eyes aren’t scanning the room for most of the members of my team.

They’re looking for her.

Tahani said she might not make it—she’s been burning the candle at both ends to get Zeenith across the finish line, but I hoped she’d show up to celebrate this success. Her success.

I grab a whiskey at the bar, trying to distract myself, but the moment I spot her walking in, everything shifts. Tahani, in a sleek black dress that hugs her body in ways I’ve only let myself imagine, commands every bit of my attention. She’s not breaking any rules wearing this provocative dress because this isn’t the office but seeing her like this strips away every boundary I’ve tried to maintain.

The dress clings to her curves, smooth and flawless, and my body reacts before I can stop it. My pulse picks up, a rush of heat crawling under my skin, and my slacks tighten uncomfortably. I take a deep breath, trying to keep it together.

Our eyes meet, and the connection between us ignites like a spark of gasoline. Electricity shoots through me, sharp and immediate, and for a split second, I’m paralyzed by the sight of her.

I force myself to break eye contact, swallowing hard as I turn back to the bar, gripping the whiskey glass tighter than I should. I shift in my seat, subtly adjusting, trying to will my body to calm down. I take a long sip of the whiskey, letting the burn distract me, and hope none of my other employees saw the look on my face.

Get it together, Archer.

But it’s no use. Even with my back turned, I can feel her presence in the room, like gravity pulling me in. I steal one more glance in her direction, but I know the damage is already done. My control is slipping, and it’s only a matter of time before I lose it completely.

Focus, Archer.

I said we’d take things slowly and see where they led, but that was my emotions talking—allowing myself to slip for just a moment. Whatever this is between us, it can’t happen. I’ve never let lust derail me during a takeover, and I’m not about to start now.

At least, that’s the pep talk I give myself as my body betrays me. Before I know it, I’m standing by her side. "Glad you decided to come. It’s great to see you," I say, aiming for casual but missing entirely as my eyes drink in her seductive beauty, narrowing slightly as I take her in.

She smiles, that coy, confident smile that always gets under my skin. "Likewise, Mr. Gates. It’s great to see you, too."

Mr. Gates. Since our near-kiss and my pulling back, she’s reverted to calling me that. It’s her way of reestablishing the boundary I put between us. I’ve only heard her say my name a few times, and now, that luxury is gone.

“Are you enjoying your new car?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation somewhere safer.

She smiles again, teasing but appreciative. “I am. You didn’t have to buy me a new car. You could have just had the old one repaired, but I love my Mustang SUV.”

“Great. It’s the least I could do after the inconvenience. Besides, your car was totaled.” I shift a little closer, catching the scent of her perfume. It hits me like a drug—intoxicating and impossible to ignore.

“But you bought me a much more expensive car,” she says, still challenging me, her eyes playful.

“No worries. You deserve it.” I wave it off, trying to keep control of the conversation. “We’re here to celebrate you. How does it feel to complete Zeenith?” I ask, steering us back to safer ground.

Her face lights up with genuine excitement. “It’s the best feeling in the world,” she says, and her enthusiasm is contagious.

But as she talks, I can barely focus on her words. I’m lost in the shape of her lips, the delicate line of her neck, the way her dress clings to her curves. Every inch of her has me completely locked in. It’s as if everything else in the room disappears.

As we stand just inches apart, discussing work like it’s business as usual, I realize something important: I don’t want to be careful anymore. I want her. Every part of her.

She touches my arm lightly, and the contact sends a jolt of electricity straight through me. "Archer? Did you hear what I said?"

I blink, struggling to pull myself back. "No. I got...distracted."

She raises an eyebrow, teasing. "Distracted by what, exactly? You were looking right at me."

I can’t resist the truth any longer. "You. Everything about you is distracting me, Tahani." My voice is thick, urgent, a little rougher than I intended.

Her cheeks flush, but her gaze doesn’t waver. "How is that possible?"

We stand there, staring at each other, the tension between us thick and undeniable. It’s like everything we’ve been holding back is right there, ready to explode.

I reach out, taking her hand without thinking twice. “Come with me.”

Her lips part slightly, hesitating just long enough for her to reach out, aware that taking her boss’s hand at an office outing won’t go unnoticed. “Where are we going?” she asks cautiously, her voice laced with curiosity and caution.

“Just come with me,” I say, leading her to a private area in the back of the bar, a spot away from the prying eyes of our colleagues. It’s risky, but I can’t hold back any longer.

When we’re alone, I turn to her, every nerve in my body on fire. "You have no idea what you do to me," I murmur, watching as she removes her hands from mine, leaning back slightly while I lean in.

“Mr. Gates…” she begins, her voice wavering.

“Archer,” I correct, the urgency in my voice undeniable.

“Archeeeer,” she breathes, and it’s all the invitation I need.

She doesn’t pull away when our lips finally meet. It’s like striking a match—the desire that’s been building between us ignites in an instant. We kiss, hungry and desperate, as though we’ve both been holding back for far too long. Every thought of rules and consequences disappears, drowned out by the need to be close to her. We’ve crossed the line, but as I lose myself in her kiss, I know there’s no turning back.

Tahani is the first to break the kiss, pulling back just enough to catch her breath. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes bright, and my body aches with the loss of contact. "We shouldn’t…not here," she whispers, glancing toward the door. “People will see.”

Her breath warms my skin, making it harder to think straight. But I force myself to stay composed, to stay in control. "You’re right," I say, my voice low and commanding, though my body screams in protest. "But I’ve waited long enough. I’ve tried to remain professional with you, but I’m not in the habit of denying myself what I want."

A flicker of mischief lights her eyes, but I see the effect my words have on her. "Well, in that case, the night’s still young. No need to stop on my account," she teases, her voice light, but I’m not playing games.

I grip her hand, firm and possessive, our fingers interlacing as I pull her closer. "We’re not stopping," I say, my voice dropping with intensity. "Let’s get out of here. Somewhere private where no one can interrupt us."

"I’d like that." Her voice is low and seductive, sending a jolt through me.

Tahani leaves first, her exit casual and discreet. After a few minutes, I slip out of the backroom and head toward the door, only to be intercepted by Grace.

“Leaving so soon?” she asks, following me as I walk toward the exit.

"Yes." I hand her the company card, keeping my tone even. "You can cover anything the staff wants with this card."

She nods, though her eyes linger on me. "Sure. I will take care of it, Mr. Gates."

I can sense something in her tone, but I don’t care what Grace is thinking. The only thing on my mind is getting back to Tahani. I nod in acknowledgment, brushing past her and stepping outside.

I find Tahani waiting nearby, and we head to a nearby lounge. The dim lighting and intimate setting heighten the buzzing tension between us. It’s unfamiliar, letting my guard down like this, but seeing her soft smile gives me the boldness I need.

"So..." I begin, struggling for the right words. "I guess the cat’s out of the bag about how I feel."

Tahani chuckles, her voice warm. "I think that kiss speaks volumes."

“It’s complicated. Your career, my short time here in Birmingham...” I trail off, feeling the weight of what I’m about to say. "It's risky. But some things are worth it, don’t you think?"

Tahani reaches across the table, her hand slipping into mine. Her thumb traces slow, deliberate circles against my skin, and the gentle touch sends a surge of desire coiling through me. “Some things are definitely worth it,” she replies, her voice soft but filled with meaning.

My restraint slips. "I don’t know if I can stay professional around you anymore. Especially after..."

"After what? This?" she teases, leaning across the table and capturing my lips in a kiss so heated it obliterates all rational thought. My pulse surges. We’re beyond professional now—there’s no going back. Turns out, Tahani is the one who has no problem going after what she wants, and I like this side of her. No, I love this side of her.

When we finally pull apart, breathless, I’m drowning in her. Her kiss, her taste—it’s addictive. My mind is spinning, lost in those deep brown eyes, eyes that gleam with intelligence, mischief, and raw desire.

She traces her finger down my arm, sending shivers through me. "Show me how you feel, Archer."

Her words are all the permission I need. In one fluid motion, I pull her to my side of the table and onto my lap. My lips crash into hers, kissing her with a hunger I’ve kept buried for far too long. She responds instantly, her hands tangling in my hair, her body pressing into mine. My hands slide down her back, pulling her softness closer, deeper into me. I trail hot kisses along her neck, and the way she gasps in pleasure only fuels the fire burning inside me.

“We shouldn’t keep doing this...not here…” she breathes between ragged gasps, trying to hold onto control.

But I’m past control now. I’m past holding back. "Oh no," I growl, gripping her firmly and holding her in place, my voice low and commanding. "You asked me to show you how I feel. I’m going to show you, and I don’t care who sees."

I kiss her again, my hand gripping her bottom, pulling her tightly against me. Our kisses grow frantic, weeks of pent-up tension spilling over. Nothing else matters but her—feeling her, tasting her, devouring every inch of her. This moment, this kiss—it’s a claim, a promise. I intend to savor every second of it.

Her lips are soft and yielding, her body molding perfectly to mine with a sensual grace. I’m lost, consumed by the sweet torment of her kiss. My hands roam over her curves, urgent and possessive, as our tongues tangle, hungry for more.

When we finally break for air, panting and flushed, the enormity of what we’ve done slams into me. Tahani—this brilliant, electrifying woman—has just shared something so intimate, so consuming, and I haven’t even taken her to bed yet.

She gazes at me, her eyes shining, lips swollen from our kiss, and she’s more beautiful than I’ve ever seen her.

“That was…” I falter, unable to find the words, my voice thick with emotion.

“I know,” she whispers, her fingers trailing lightly down my jaw, sending another shiver through me.

Pursuing this is reckless. I know it. But the mind, body, and heart want what they want. And mine want Tahani. I pull her closer, inhaling the sweet floral scent of her hair, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. She nuzzles into me with a soft, contented sigh, and that sound solidifies everything. She has me. Completely.

We stay pressed together in the dimly lit lounge, hidden from prying eyes, sharing subtle touches and stolen kisses. Each brush of her fingers, each graze of her lips against mine, heightens the thrill of this forbidden connection. I have never cuddled and kissed anyone in public like this. Never felt the need to allow passion to simmer with no desire to jump right into the bed. But here I am, at her whim…at the whim of our shared desire.

I don’t know where this will lead, but I do know one thing: I’ll never forget the way her kisses feel. Kisses that have changed everything between us and mark the start of something dangerous...and undeniably real.