Free Risky Pleasures by McKenna Jeffries and Aliyah Burke Page B

her in the shin for you.”
    “I might take you up on it later.” Archer chuckled.
    Delicia raised her face. They kissed gently.
    “If she calls me the maid again I’m going to kick her somewhere else and make it hurt,” Delicia whispered against his lips.
    “And you have every right to,” Archer said.
    Delicia harrumphed then strode away down the hall. Archer returned to the door.
    “I’m sorry that I insulted your lady.”
    “If only I could believe that, Victoria. I have plans, so go to a hotel or, better yet, leave McKingley,” Archer said.
    “Archer.” His dad’s tone was reprimanding.
    Archer refused to back down. Victoria looked unsure then gave a small smile.
    “Can I stay with you, Toddy-kins?” Victoria hooked her arms with his father.
    Todd looked even more amused. “Sure.”
    Archer didn’t like hearing that. “Won’t your boyfriend have a problem with that?”
    “Oh, Rudolph and I are through. It’s just Lacy and I. Let’s go to our home, Toddy-kins.” Victoria was gripping his dad’s arm.
    Lacy was silent not watching any of them. Archer clenched his fist—he didn’t want his mother staying under the same roof as his father.
    “You can stay here,” he gritted.
    “That’s wonderful. Show me to my room.” Victoria looked pleased.
    “I have plans. Pa will show you.” He addressed his dad. ”Pa, give them the rooms at the other side of the house.” Archer turned to walk away.
    “But, Archer, I wanted us to catch up. And for you and Lacy to talk,” Victoria protested.
    He ignored her and went back the bedroom. Opening the door, he spotted Delicia.
    “Let’s go.”
    Delicia followed him out. She didn’t comment about his dad bringing in the bags. They got into her Jeep and drove to their destination. At the Caves they got in line and waited to be let in. Archer’s thoughts returned to the mess back at his house. The thought of being under the same roof as his supposed mother and ex pissed him off.
    They arrived at the entrance and were given a map of the Turquafel Caves. The caves were made up of turquoise, quartz and feldspar. Its name derived from the minerals. They were large and high. The walls created a visual delight. People went into the many cave passageways, which led to the centre where wild outcropping formations made of the local minerals and rock resided. He’d been to the cave a lot of times and usually enjoyed it, but today it lacked the joy. He trailed Delicia as she explored.
    “That’s it,” Delicia said, pulling him into a little corner. “Where are you?”
    “What do you mean? I’m here with you.”
    “Physically, but mentally you’re back at your house. Why didn’t you just stay there instead of coming here? We could have done this another time,” Delicia said.
    Archer rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “Christ. Sorry. I don’t want to be back at my house. Hell, I don’t even want to sleep at my house with them there.”
    “Why’d you let them stay?”
    “Victoria was going to stay with my dad otherwise.” Archer shrugged.
    “Your dad can take care of himself,” Delicia pointed out.
    “Maybe, but I don’t want to take the chance. So it was my house.”
    “You can stay with me if you want,” Delicia offered.
    Archer stared, surprised, then shook his head. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll—”
    She put her hand over his mouth, pressing against him. “Just shut up and nod your head. You’re staying with me.” This time it was a demand.
    Her eyes were fierce. Archer nodded. Delicia removed her hand and kissed him. He tugged her firmly against his frame, but she withdrew.
    “I’ll drop you off later to get some of your things. Forget about them for a while. Now let’s have some fun. Explore a little.”
    Archer let her pull him with her. “I’d rather explore you. Wanna do the deed?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
    Delicia laughed. “Later. I want to explore the cave and go for our bike ride.”
    “And I want to ride