"Archer, I..." I started to say, my emotions swirling, but he interrupted gently.
"I want you to know you have that option. So think about it, okay?" he implored, giving me the space to process everything.
I held his gaze for a moment before nodding. He gently guided my head to rest back on his chest, and I closed my eyes, pressing my face to the side of his neck, feeling safe in his embrace.
"How long was I unconscious?" I asked, trying to piece together the time I had lost.
"About eight hours…" Archer replied, concern evident in his voice.
"Oh, my, what time is it?" I inquired, feeling disoriented.
He raised his left wrist to check the gold Rolex adorning it. "Ten minutes to eleven a.m."
"You stayed all night," I said, a mix of surprise and gratitude in my tone.
"Hmm…."
"Did you get any sleep?" I asked, worried about him as well.
"I tried…." He sighed. "A nurse came earlier to check on you. I told her I would let her know when you woke up…"
"Great, I think I'm going to need something for my head…."
"Jeez! You should have said something. I'll get the doctor," he said, gently pulling away from me and hurried to the door.
I watched him, taking in his attractive figure as he opened the door and stepped outside. Closing my eyes, I let out a sigh. It had been almost a year, yet I still felt as strongly as I did the last time I saw him. But it seemed he didn't share the same sentiments, and I had to keep my emotions in check until the doctor cleared me and he disappeared from my life again. My heart tightened painfully at the thought.
Shortly after, three doctors and two nurses entered the room with Archer. He positioned himself in a corner, arms folded, observing as the doctors attended to me.
They checked my head wound and asked me a series of questions to ensure there were no signs of a concussion or any delayed complications. After examining my brain scan, the doctors reassured me that it looked okay and the hit on my head was just a slight bruise on my skull. They concluded that I was free to go home. But before leaving, they addressed Archer with the utmost respect, informing him that if I developed any unusual behavior or experienced any concerning symptoms, the hospital should be contacted immediately.
"You are absolutely sure she can leave?" Archer asked, concerned for my well-being.
"Yes, Mr. Donovan. She is fine. I will prescribe painkillers for her headache and pain," the oldest of the two doctors replied.
"Alright then, Andrew, Justin, Tina. Thanks," Archer said with a dismissive nod and turned away. The doctors filed out, leaving two nurses to clean and dress my head wound.
"We washed your hair yesterday when you were brought in, so there would be no need to let water touch the wound for at least five days," one of the nurses informed me.
"Thank you," I said gratefully.
"I will administer an injection for your headache and pain now, and you can follow up with the tablets the doctor will prescribe for you to take when you have headaches in the future," the other nurse explained, gesturing for me to lie on the bed and turn my back to her. Throughout the process, Archer kept his unwavering gaze on me as they administered the injection into my buttocks. When I flinched, I couldn't help but notice him openly grinning with amusement. In response, I playfully stuck my tongue out at him.
"Very mature, Adele," he teased. The nurses exchanged amused glances before hurrying out of the room.
"I brought you something to change into," he said, walking over to a paper bag left on a nearby couch and handing it to me.
As I looked inside, I found a beautiful dress – a loose-fitted African print kaftan that felt incredibly soft against my fingers. "Thanks," I said with gratitude. The colors were vibrant and beautiful.
"Do you need help changing?" he asked, concern in his eyes.
"I think I can manage," I replied, looking up at him. "Are you going to stand there and watch?"
"Really?"
"Yeah," I insisted, and he chuckled before going to stand in a corner with his back turned to me. As I stood up, I realized I was still a little shaky. Archer must have noticed because he returned to my side, holding me gently by the waist.
"Sometimes, I try to decide who is more stubborn between you and Mark. But one thing is clear, you are both pretty infuriating," he said, teasingly.
I glowered at him, not amused by the comparison with my late brother. "You talk about him as if he is still alive," I pointed out.
"Raise your arms, Adele," he commanded, changing the subject. I rolled my eyes but complied, lifting my arms. Archer gently removed my hospital dress, leaving me standing there naked in front of him.
His eyes roamed over my body, and I felt a rush of heat as his gaze lingered on me. My breathing grew shallow, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. He then slipped the kaftan over my head, and as the fabric slid down my body, his hands brushed against my breasts.
The touch sent shivers down my spine, and I swallowed hard, trying to control my reaction. Archer's eyes seemed darker now, filled with a hunger that made my breath catch in my throat. He didn't seem to pull back from me, and instead, he knelt down, gently pulling the dress down my hips with his hands still caressing my skin. I felt a surge of pleasure at his touch, and my body responded in ways I couldn't control.
When he finally stood up, his breathing was labored, and the intensity in his eyes was undeniable. It was clear that Archer Donovan desired me, and it was both thrilling and overwhelming to know that he still felt that way.
"Are you going to call me a cab… Oh, my God, my car!" I exclaimed, suddenly remembering that I had left my car in the office car park. "My bag! My house keys, my phone. Damn it, damn it, damn it!" I muttered, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by everything that had happened.
"I've ordered a new car for you, and you are not going home in a cab nor are you going home at all. The rest of the things you lost will be replaced," Archer stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Archer…" I began to protest, but he cut me off.
"You heard the doctors, and as someone in the science field, I hope you realize what they meant when they used the phrase 'start to act funny'," he said, concern evident in his eyes.
"Yes, but…" I tried to explain, but he interrupted me again.
"No, Adele. No. I am not taking chances with your health or safety!" he snapped. "You are coming with me…" he declared, walking over to the door and opening it. A male nurse entered the room with a wheelchair, and Archer gave me a pointed look that brooked no nonsense.
I knew that arguing with him would be futile, and I also knew that being alone with him would be both tempting and dangerous. But for now, I had no choice but to comply. As the nurse helped me into the wheelchair, I made a mental note to find a way to escape from Archer's watchful eye as soon as possible