fabric was soft, cashmere blend. She realized with a jolt of horror that she was standing in a

r right ankle gave way. A shar

winced,

t to offer his forearm like a railing. "Lean

She tried to wipe her eyes, smearing mascara

ith military precision, they turned their backs to the scene, forming a human wall that shield

e a scene. Instead, he looked down at h

He signaled to one of the men without looking away from Harper.

oors behind th

rpe

athless and angry

as loosened, his hair slightly disheveled. He looke

he dress, the stranger s

e marched toward them, his face flushing red.

up straighter, if

He stepped in front of Harper, blocking Archer's path.

id. His voice dropped an octa

l of man in front of him. "Excuse me?

o grab Harper's arm. "Harper, co

his weight, putting his shoulder between Archer'

peated, enunciating every

protecting her. She looked at Archer. She saw

erate mark. A perfect kiss print in bright red lipstick on the insid

the nause

e glanced back at her, just for a second. Hi

as the first time anyone had asked

h me. We have a wedding to plan. Harper, st

nageable.

tranger's back. It was

said, her voice hol

e a fight. Not here. No

her gaze for a long beat. He looked

he said. He s

s cold gaze back to Archer.