Free The Keepers: Archer by Rae Rivers

her Keeper, Archer, and you don’t want to mess with a bunch of dead witches.” He jabbed a finger into Archer’s chest. “Besides, she’s no match for your physical strength. You could hurt her.”
    “Ethan, stop it,” Sienna said softly.
    Ethan whirled to face her. “If he doesn’t control himself, Sienna, he’ll hurt you.”
    “Oh, please,” she scoffed. “Archer’s the poster boy for control. You really think he’s going to hurt me?”
    Ethan’s expression eased. “Playing with fire equals getting burned. Not a good idea.”
    “We’re not children, Ethan, so back off.”
    Ethan glanced at them both and then nodded. “Fine. You two figure it out. But when the dead Aunty Hilda’s come seeking punishment, don’t come knocking on my door for help.” He walked to the liquor cabinet, pulled out two glasses, and poured Bourbon into both. He handed Archer a glass. “Drink up, brother. You look like you need one.”
    Archer’s jaw flexed. “Get out of here, Ethan.”
    Ethan tossed back the whiskey, refilled the glass, and headed for the door. “You guys need to figure this shit out before someone gets hurt,” he threw over his shoulder as he left.
    Archer was frowning when he turned back to Sienna. “Are you okay?”
    She nodded and slid off the counter, trying to keep herself from blushing at the thought of the hot, needy kiss they’d shared moments ago. Had Ethan not interrupted them, she would easily have forgotten the rules set by The Circle and given Archer free reign on her.
    Wow.
    Archer reached for her but she stopped him with a shake of the head. “Ethan’s right, Archer. The Circle will be spitting cobras if we take this further.”
    “Sienna.”
    They fell silent, the undeniable truth adding distance between them even though neither one of them had moved.
    Anger flooded through her, and Sienna choked back a scream. There had once been a time when her destiny and Beckham heritage had felt like an honour, now felt like an annoying burden she simply couldn’t shake.
    And right now, despite their best intentions, she hated The Circle with everything in her.
    Inhaling softly, she lifted her chin in quiet determination, trying to calm the resentment inside. “It’s late. We should get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.”
    Archer lifted a brow. “You have plans?”
    “Yes.” She pushed past him and moved toward the door. “I know it’s a long trip back to New York but I need to sort out a few things at my apartment and pack a few bags. I’m happy to make the trip alone but I’m assuming you’ll want to tag along.”
    “I’ll come with you, Sienna.”
    She nodded, never having doubted otherwise, and stopped at the doorway to frown at the shattered lamp on the floor. When had that happened?
    Her breath caught as memories of Archer’s kiss clouded her mind, but she was quick to push them away. She looked back at Archer and blushed when she saw his lip curl into a slight grin. He would be able to sense her quick flush of excitement sparked by the memory of their kiss and judging by his grin, he found brief amusement in her reaction to the memory. “Stop it,” she said, jabbing a finger in Archer’s direction.
    “Stop what?”
    “I want my damn necklace.”
    “But this is way more fun.”
    “For you maybe. I’m going to bed.”
    “You haven’t eaten yet.”
    “I’m not hungry.”
    “Lucky you.” A sexy gleam entered his eyes and a silly grin played on his lips. “Because unlike you, I am hungry, Sienna, but it’s not food I’m after.”
    Sienna gaped at him for a second, spun around, and fled to her room.
     

CHAPTER NINE
    The dream had Sienna bolting out of bed with a soft cry. Heart pounding and gasping choppy breaths of air, she whirled around in the darkness and blinked rapidly in an effort to calm the frenzy of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
    Breathe. Breathe.
    The night times were the worst, as she had no control over the memories that