Wreck Me (Savage Bosses)

Chapter Nine

Tahani

PDA

The aroma of roasted coffee beans envelops me as I push open the door to the cozy café. The bell above jingles softly, and my eyes search the room, landing on Archer almost instantly. My body tightens the moment I see him, the pull he has over me is still startling, even after everything that happened Friday night.

He’s seated at a small table in the back corner, half-hidden behind a large fern. When our eyes meet, smiles spread across both our faces. It’s impossible not to feel the connection, even though the tension lingers beneath the surface.

"Hey, Tahani," Archer greets me, standing up as I approach. His voice is a little strained, and his hands find refuge in his pockets.

"Hi, Archer." I slide into the chair across from him, adjusting my skirt nervously.

He pushes a latte toward me. “Ava tells me you’re a caramel latte fan.”

I raise an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at my lips. "You called Ava to find out what I like to drink?"

He shrugs casually. “I told her we were meeting for breakfast and figured I’d get your order right.”

I open my mouth to question him further but stop myself. "Well, thanks for ordering for me."

He nods, sitting back down. I start peeling at the paper sleeve on my cup, and Archer taps his fingers against the table, the rhythm uneven, mirroring the unspoken tension between us.

"So..." I start, my voice sounding too loud in the small space. "How was the rest of your weekend?"

"Busy," he says, forcing a smile. "You know me—conference calls, paperwork, meetings. Nothing exciting."

“No days off for you, huh?” I ask, taking a sip of my latte.

“It’s been all gas, no breaks lately,” he admits. “I’m proud of what the team’s accomplished at Iconic, though. And I’m glad you gave yourself a break this weekend.”

Archer clears his throat, his eyes softening as they lock onto mine. “Tahani, I—”

"Archer, I just—"

We both stop mid-sentence, laughing awkwardly as we realize we cut each other off.

"You go first," he offers, leaning forward slightly.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "I just want to clear the air after Friday night. I have feelings for you, but I’m worried about how this might affect us at work. I don’t want it to complicate our professional relationship."

Archer's expression remains unreadable, but his grip tightens as he reaches across the table, his hand firm on mine. There’s no hesitation in his voice when he speaks. “Tahani, I care about you more than you realize. Whatever this is between us, it won’t interfere with our work. I won’t let it. But I won’t pretend I don’t want more.” His dark eyes lock onto mine, unflinching. “We’ll take our time if that’s what you need, but I’m not the type to dance around what I want.”

His confidence is like a surge of energy, filling the space between us, and his words feel like a challenge. I squeeze his hand, trying to steady my racing heart, some of the tension in my chest easing, though I can’t quite shake the flutter in my stomach.

“So…” I start, but my words trail off, unsure of how to respond to the intensity of the moment.

Archer’s gaze sharpens, his voice lowering as his fingers tighten around mine. “No more games, Tahani. Tell me what you want. From this. From us.”

His question hangs between us, demanding an answer. My throat goes dry, my mind scrambling as his dark eyes bore into me, leaving no room for ambiguity. What do I want?

“I don’t know,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m wary of rushing into anything. My work has been my focus for so long. It’s all I’ve had.” I hesitate, unwilling to expose my deeper fears, which is the fear of letting my guard down, only to be left vulnerable and broken.

His expression hardens, but not with impatience—with determination. “I get that. Your drive is part of what drew me to you.” There’s a glint in his eye as he leans forward, never breaking eye contact. “But let’s be clear about something; ambition doesn’t mean shutting people out. I’m not going to let you push me away because of fear. I want you, Tahani. And I don’t intend to lose.”

The force behind his words sends a shiver through me, and I can feel my defenses beginning to crack. His certainty, his control over the situation is intimidating, but it’s also grounding. He’s not asking me to abandon my fears, but he’s making it clear that he’s not going to let them stop us.

“We’re both guarded,” he continues, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “But I’m willing to tear those walls down. Slowly, if that’s what it takes. I want you in my life, and I’m not playing it safe.”

His words linger in the air between us, and I can feel my pulse quicken. He’s not giving me an out; he’s laying it all out there with the full confidence of someone who knows exactly what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.

For the first time in a long while, I feel the pull of something undeniable, something I can’t run from. Archer Gates isn’t a man who backs down, and right now, he’s making it clear that he won’t let me hide behind my work or my fear.

His gaze softens slightly, but his resolve remains unshaken. “Now tell me, Tahani,” he says, his voice low and commanding. “What do you want?”

I let out a soft laugh, not to dismiss him, but to acknowledge the truth we both know. "Occupational hazard, I suppose," I say, accepting the risk I’m willing to take. My words are more than just an admission. They’re a declaration that I’m ready for what’s next. For us .

Archer’s thumb begins tracing slow, deliberate circles on the back of my hand. The gentle rhythm calms some of the tension I didn’t even realize I had. For a few beats, we sit there, enveloped in the quiet hum of the café, letting the weight of the decision hang between us until it doesn’t feel heavy anymore.

"Well," Archer says softly, breaking the silence, but with that familiar authority in his tone, "I’m willing to take this at whatever pace you need. But don’t shut me out. I won’t let you."

My heart swells at his words, warmth spreading through my chest as I look at him. There’s no hesitation in my voice when I respond. "I won’t," I say, the promise between us clear. There’s no going back now—only forward.

We finish our coffees, and conversation begins to flow easily between us, as if all uncertainty is lifted. An hour later, we’ve left the café behind, strolling hand-in-hand through downtown Birmingham. The towering buildings feel smaller, less imposing, as we walk together, sharing stories and peeling back the layers of ourselves.

There’s something intimate in the way we talk, the way we move through the city side by side, no rush, no hesitation—just us. Each step feels like a step into something new, something neither of us fully understand yet, but we’re willing to explore together. And that feels like the biggest risk I’ve ever taken... and the most exhilarating.

As we walk, an unexpected urge wells up inside me, pressing against my chest. I glance at Archer’s hand wrapped around mine, and for some reason—maybe it’s the safety I feel in his presence, maybe it’s the vulnerability in his own confession earlier—I decide to share something I’ve never told anyone before.

“There are parts of my past I’ve kept buried,” I begin, my voice low. “Things I thought I’d moved on from, but they still... haunt me.”

Archer stays silent, his gaze steady on my face. I focus on the warmth of his hand in mine, drawing strength from his quiet support.

“When I was in college, I was assaulted by someone I trusted,” I confess, my voice catching. “It crushed me in ways I didn’t think possible. For a long time, I blamed myself. I withdrew from everything, from everyone.”

Archer’s hand tightens around mine, a silent show of support. “I’m so sorry that happened to you, Tahani.”

“It was my boyfriend at the time,” I continue, my voice steadier but still tinged with pain. “We’d already been together, but one night he... he crossed a line I can never forgive. I haven’t had a meaningful relationship since.”

Archer’s face darkens with concern, his jaw tightening as he processes my words. I see a flash of anger in his eyes, and he swallows hard before speaking. “Give me his name. I’ll make sure he pays.”

I manage a watery smile, shaking my head gently. “He passed away two years ago. Besides, I’ve come a long way since then. I graduated, built a career, and created a life I’m proud of. But there’s still a part of me that’s that scared, broken girl.”

A single tear escapes, sliding down my cheek before I can stop it. Archer’s thumb brushes it away with a tenderness that leaves me breathless. “You survived something horrific,” he says quietly, his voice filled with a rare, raw intensity. “Your resilience, your strength, they’re as much a part of you as your brilliance, your ambition.”

His words settle over me like a balm, soothing the deep ache I’ve carried for so long. For the first time, I feel seen, truly seen by someone who understands, someone who doesn’t just see the scars but also the strength that came from them.

In that moment, with Archer by my side, I feel something shift. It’s not just the connection we’re building, but the sense that maybe, just maybe, I can trust again. Trust him. Trust myself.

And that’s the most terrifying realization of all.

The lingering shadows of my past don’t seem so overwhelming with Archer by my side. I lean into him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart, and let it guide mine to calmer waters. His eyes darken as he looks down at our entwined hands, and I feel his grip tighten slightly.

“When I was a kid,” he begins, his voice rough with emotion, “my dad walked out on us. Left me, my mom, and my little sister with nothing. I had to grow up fast. I started working to help keep us afloat. There was no time to be a normal teenager.” He shakes his head, anger and shame flickering across his face. “I promised myself I’d never let us struggle like that again. So, I buried my emotions and became obsessed with success and wealth. Some people call me arrogant, but what they don’t know is that I cannot lose. I’ve already done enough of that.”

Archer looks up, holding my gaze with such intensity that it makes my heart ache. His voice drops, hoarse with suppressed sorrow. “But success comes at a cost. I distanced myself from everyone I cared about, threw myself into work, and let real connections fall apart.”

He grips my hand tighter, his vulnerability washing over me like a wave. “I don’t want to live like that anymore, Tahani. With you... I feel like I can finally be—”

“Vulnerable?” I offer gently.

Relief floods his features as he nods. In that moment, something shifts between us. Our shared pain and brokenness begin to form something new, something stronger. Slowly, Archer lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. It feels like a brand, searing warmth into my skin and sending a pulse of desire through me.

“Tahani...” he murmurs, his voice rough and full of longing. The sound of my name on his lips sends shivers down my spine.

This is uncharted territory for me. I’ve loved only one man before, and he misused that love. But with Archer, the desire is different. It’s intense and undeniable. And here we are, standing on a public street, displaying more than just casual affection.

I move closer, erasing the last bit of space between us. Archer’s arm slips around my waist, strong and protective, and I rest my head in the crook of his neck. It feels natural, like we’re two broken pieces finding solace in each other, creating something beautiful from the ashes of our pain.

His sandalwood and spice scent wraps around me, masculine and comforting. I breathe it in deeply, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palm. This moment, this intimacy, warms me from the inside out, sinking into my bones.

After a long, quiet moment, I lift my head to look at him. Archer’s gaze is tender, filled with emotions he hasn’t put into words yet. I take a deep breath, gathering my courage.

“Thank you for sharing your past with me,” I say, my voice soft but steady. “We both have demons, and I think... we can help each other face them.”

I pause, contemplating what I’m about to say next. “I want to see where this goes between us, Archer. I’m ready to take that leap, if you are.”

His smile is small, but it radiates warmth, sending a flutter through my chest. “Tahani,” he murmurs, his voice filled with emotion. “I’ve never met anyone like you. Your strength, your resilience... you’ve challenged me, inspired me, made me want more.” He brings my hand to his lips again, this time holding it there a little longer. “I’m ready to take that leap with you. I want to see what we can build together.”

My heart races as his words sink in. This powerful, complicated man wants to build something real with me, and for the first time in a long time, I feel hope.

I squeeze his hand, feeling the strength of our connection. “I’m here for you, Archer. Whatever demons we face, we’ll face them together.”

He nods, his eyes glistening with unspoken emotion. Slowly, he leans in, hesitant but full of longing. I meet him halfway, and when our lips touch, everything else fades away. His hand cradles my face as the kiss deepens, passion and tenderness mixing in a way that makes me dizzy. I feel his fingers threading through my hair, and I lose myself in the moment, in the scent of him, the taste of him, everything that is uniquely him.

When I pull away to catch my breath, Archer’s eyes blaze into mine, his lips slightly parted. His hands slide to my back, pulling me closer as if afraid to let go.

He takes my hand, guiding me back toward the parking lot where his car is parked. I don’t even realize what’s happening until I’m seated inside, and he leans in for another kiss. This one is fiercer, full of urgency, and my body responds instantly. His hands roam my back, pressing me tightly against him, and I can feel the wild thrum of his heartbeat in sync with mine.

When I finally pull back, gasping for air, Archer’s eyes are locked on mine, dark with desire.

“Wow,” I whisper, my breath still catching.

His lips quirk into a smile, his hand still cradling my face. “Yeah,” he breathes, brushing his thumb gently over my cheek.

The look in Archer’s eyes asks a question, one I can’t quite bring myself to answer with words. Instead, I respond with my own silent questions: Are we really doing this? Can I trust myself in this moment? His gaze never wavers, and I feel the intensity of everything we’re on the edge of.

“We can take the morning off,” Archer says, his voice thick with unspoken promises.

“But we have so much to do...” I protest, though weakly.

“Let me worry about that.” He brushes off my concern.

“You’re the boss.”

“Right,” he chuckles, and the sound warms me from the inside. With a smooth turn of the key, he cranks the car and drives us to a sprawling property in Crestline Heights.

As we pull up, I’m taken in by the grandeur of it all. It’s a stately, ivy-covered mansion nestled among towering oaks. The whole place feels timeless, like stepping into another world.

As soon as he opens my door, his lips crash back onto mine. The kiss is urgent, almost desperate, as if neither of us can wait any longer. His hands thread through my hair, tugging gently, and I grip the dark strands at the nape of his neck, eliciting a groan from deep in his chest. The sound sends a rush of heat pooling in my belly.

In one swift movement, Archer’s hands slide down to my hips, and he lifts me effortlessly. My legs wrap around his waist, and he carries me to the front door, never breaking the kiss. His lips trail down my neck, and I can’t hold back the soft moan that escapes me.

The door swings open, and we stumble into the foyer. The space is grand, filled with rich details that exude old-world charm, but none of it matters. Archer places me on an accent table, and I rock my hips against him, seeking more friction, more of him.

"Archer," I gasp, the sensation overwhelming as his lips move down my collarbone. “We need to... we need to.”

His lips brush against mine as he murmurs, “What do we need to do?”

The question erases any coherent thought. All I know is the burning need to feel him, all of him. My hands tug at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin beneath my fingers.

“Make love to me,” I whisper, and the intensity of my plea hangs in the air between us.

Archer’s eyes darken with desire, and I see something shift in him. “That’s what I needed to hear. I only want to give you what you want from me.”

“I want you to make love to me,” I repeat, my voice stronger, filled with certainty.

Clothes are shed in a frenzy, our hands and mouths exploring every inch of each other. Skin against skin, the heat of him sends sparks dancing across my body. He presses me back onto the table, and his lips find mine again before moving lower, trailing kisses that make my breath hitch.

“Come here,” he commands, pulling me to the edge of the table, and the next moment, his mouth is on me, tasting me in a way that makes me tremble.

When his lips find mine again, tasting my essence on his tongue, I feel like I’m unraveling, slipping further into the haze of desire. He positions himself at my entrance, and with one smooth stroke, he’s inside me, filling me completely. We move together, slow and deliberately, every touch and thrust a perfect rhythm.

The table beneath us rocks in time with our bodies, adding to the intensity of the moment. Archer’s words about taking things slow echo in my mind, and I can’t help but chuckle internally. This kind of slow? It’s maddening, and yet it’s everything. BILF , indeed.

With each deliberate stroke, Archer takes me higher, pushing me closer to the edge. His eyes lock onto mine, filled with something deeper than just lust, something that makes my heart beat just as hard as my body pulses with pleasure.

And when we finally fall together, our bodies moving as one, I know this is more than just a moment. It’s the start of something neither of us expected, something neither of us can ignore.