His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 419

Under the warm glow of the lights, Archer's obsidian eyes were bottomless, swirling with agonizingly repressed emotions.

Before she could even react, he dipped his head and captured her red lips.

There was no savage pillaging; it was entirely tentative, steeped in desperate craving.

He gently coaxed her mouth open, claiming her inch by inch with greedy little nips, his movements agonizingly restrained, terrified of hurting her.

Virginia's head was held firmly in place, forcing her to tilt back and receive him.

Yet she didn't push him away. Instead, she rested her hands flat against his rock-hard chest, feeling the erratic, totally out-of-control pounding of his heart.

A long time passed before Archer finally broke the kiss.

They leaned their foreheads together, breaths tangling as Virginia's chest rose and fell. She gazed up at him with clear, glassy eyes. "You aren't mad anymore?"

Archer's gaze darkened. He lifted a hand, his thumb tracing the flushed corners of her eyes, his voice intensely hoarse.

"I am," he admitted bluntly. "But I can bear it."

If there were no children, so be it. As long as she stayed by his side. He had completely surrendered to her.

Virginia's heart gave a violent jolt, a flash of utter disbelief crossing her normally composed eyes.

Archer gave her no time to think, claiming her mouth once again. This kiss was infinitely deeper, his grip so fierce it felt as if he were trying to merge her very soul into his.

His large hands roamed down the curve of her waist, kneading through the sheer silk of her dress, the searing heat of his palms radiating into her skin.

"Virginia! I brought back those famous spicy wings from the Southside, and it's still piping hot..."

The front door flew open, and Miles swaggered in, carrying two massive takeout boxes.

His voice abruptly cut off.

Spotting the two figures tangled together in the corner of the living room, Miles gasped in shock. "Holy shit!"

He immediately slapped his hands over his eyes and whipped around. "I didn't see anything! Carry on! Please, carry on!"

He spun around and marched upstairs to his study.

They had their entire lives ahead of them; there was no need to force this tonight.

The following afternoon.

Outside, the sun was brutal and the heat sweltering, but inside, the house was perfectly air-conditioned.

Helena arrived in a navy-blue silk gown, accompanied by Mrs. Higgins, who was carrying a striking, bright orange gift box.

"Virginia." Helena sat down on the sofa, smiling as she took the box and pushed it toward her. "An Hermès Himalayan Birkin, just flown in from Paris yesterday. It's the only one in the entire city. I thought it would suit you perfectly, so I brought it over."

Virginia glanced at the box, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Aunt Helena, this is far too expensive. I could never carry something like this to work."

"Take it," Helena insisted gently but firmly, patting Virginia's hand. "You're a Vanderbilt. There isn't a luxury in this world you aren't worthy of. Besides, all my jewelry will go to you one day anyway."