The Keepers: Archer. Rae Rivers

closed her eyes with a soft groan and dropped her head against Archer’s chest, hoping that Ethan would simply turn around and leave.

      But no.

      “Archer,” Ethan said in a low tone, the single word signalling the start of a heated lecture.

      Archer kept his back to his brother and remained positioned between her legs, quietly casting a quick scan across her body to ensure she was decent. With a frown, he straightened her shirt and exhaled. “Not now, Ethan.”

      Ethan grabbed the discarded fruit bowl off the floor and gaped at his brother. “Seriously?”

      “Not now, Ethan.”

      “Archer.”

      “Ethan,” Archer said quietly, his tone serving as a warning on its own, “leave. Now.”

      With an unaccustomed scowl, Ethan picked up the various fruit strewn across the kitchen floor and threw them back into the fruit bowl. “You two miss the part about this sort of behaviour being forbidden between a Keeper and his witch? You’ll have The Circle spitting cobras.”

      Ethan’s words brought reality crashing around Sienna’s feet with a thunderous roar.

      The damn Circle.

      A relationship between a Keeper and his witch was so strongly frowned upon that the witches had cast a spell, cursing any budding relationship. They had their uses, their rules and regulations were needed, but right now, Sienna resented the hell out of them. It was hard to think that a bunch of dead witches still ruled her life.

      Sienna felt Archer withdraw, even though he hadn’t moved.

      Thanks to Ethan’s stark reminder, the curse that kept her and Archer apart two years ago would continue to keep them apart.

      “Ethan, this is none of your business,” Archer said, whirling around to face his brother.

      “When it comes to Sienna, everything about her is my business.”

      “Not this.”

      Ethan took three strides and stood in front of his brother. “You’re 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 sparked the vicious nightmares.

      Someone had once told her that time healed all wounds. Bull. Wide-awake and restless, Sienna pulled on a cardigan to ward off the cool night air, and silently made her way toward the kitchen. She doubted tea would do much to calm the fierceness that lurked inside, but it would give her something to do.

      The spacious kitchen was in darkness and she left it that way, needing the blackness to smother her thoughts.

      Sienna filled the kettle with water and turned it on. While waiting for it to boil, she strolled outside to the undercover patio that led onto the pool area. It was still dark but the garden lights illuminated the patio and the pool with a soft glow that comforted her. The patio consisted of a fireplace, several comfortable couches, a table with several chairs, and a breathtaking view of the estate’s back garden. It was homely, immaculate, and a popular gathering spot for the Bennett brothers. The bright blue light inside the pool added a cool inviting feel to the water.

      Of all the brothers, Archer had always been the lover of water. Not surprising considering his connection with it.