Page 51 of The Devils They Are

Archie pulls Abby closer to his side as a group of people swarm past us. He keeps his eyes on me, almost like it was a natural instinct to protect her, one he did subconsciously. But with his attention focused on me, I get the privilege of seeing Abby's face light up with the same realization, her head turning to glance up at him, dare I say it…lovingly.

You know what else is cute? Seeing Archie so protective of his girl—the very one he's been pining over for years. And knowing that it's reciprocated means everything to me. If anyone deserves happiness, it's Archer Roberts.

"Ha, yeah," he says with a chuckle. "Parker had to have known that this would be the outcome. He's not the lose willingly type."

"I think he just wants to make her happy," I answer, shooting him a knowing look as my eyes drift to his arm around Abby's waist.

The both of them pick up on my vibe and suggestive words, cheeks turning red. I'm sure they want to lie and blame the almost unbearable heat in the warehouse—I'll pretend that's the reason too.

Giving them a wave of my hand, I glance over the crowd. "You guys head on out. I need to go speak to the Three Musketeers. You know what the rules say—we need to decide who's responsible for payment to fix the cage."

Archie hesitates for a moment. "I can come with you if you like," he offers.

"It's fine," I say, unfazed. "Go head to the beach with everyone else. I'll be there soon."

He nods, grinning down at Abby. "What do you say, baby girl? Ready to go?"

Abby smiles at him, my heart doing that weird melting thing again at the gesture. "Ready if you are, Sagg."

"Sagg?" I blurt out, trying to fight back a smile.

Archie blushes again but Abby beams at me. "LikeSagittarius," she says proudly. "Since that's his star sign and his name is—"

"Archer," I finish for her, holding back a laugh at his sudden shyness. "I like it."

"What's your star sign?" she asks excitedly. "I like comparing notes, just for the fun of it."

This time, I can't hide the grin from my face. She's so bubbly and happy—it's a contagious vibe. "Aquarius."

Her mouth forms anOshape as she nods with wide eyes. "Independent, loyal, logical, rebellious… and detached. Checks out."

"What?" I laugh. "Those are my traits?"

Archie clears his throat. "Well, I mean…" he trails off, smirking smugly.

"I'm not…" I start, ready to defend myself as I run through her list in my mind. "Wait…"

Abby waves her hand at me, trying to dismiss my train of thoughts. "Aquarians are good people. Natural born leaders and very smart."

"Okay, now you're just trying to suck up," I scold playfully. "Off you go, you pair of lovebirds."

They both laugh, giving me a wave goodbye as they disappear into the departing crowd. I lean against the plastic barricade as I wait for everyone to leave, making a mental note to ask Abby what her star sign is next time. My gaze flickers over to the other side of the room and for a brief second, I can't help but wonder whattheirstar signs are.

Wait, what?I must be losing my mind. I don't care about them that much, or at all. Plus, I alreadyknowtheir personality traits. They are grade-A assholes with a complexity problem. Not to mention competitive, deviant, and lacking the smallest measurement of compassion between the three of them.

That's the story I'm going with—yep. And I certainly haven't rubbed my wrist a hundred times this week where Rylan placed a kiss in his bedroom.

This week has been oddly peaceful despite the growing tension, and I've been finding myself in constant daydreams, thinking about our encounter on Monday.

The past few days I've made sure to keep clear, not fully trusting myself to be near him. He has a habit of bringing my guard down. But we've still texted, talking about our usual things and exchanging quirky little details about ourselves in conversation. Like for example, Rylan hates the texture of Styrofoam. If he can avoid touching it, he will at all costs. And I stupidly admitted to him that the first—and only—time I walked the canyon trail, I was so exhausted that I accidentally flashed an entire group of tourists when I stumbled over my own feet.

It takes around ten minutes for everyone to disperse out of the warehouse, and when it falls deathly quiet, I realize how unusual this feels. We're the only four people left in this big room. Ego-man is the last to go, slumped over the shoulder of a football player, mumbling to himself with a clear concussion.

The three of them are watching me from across the room, and I know we're playing chicken again. They want me to come totheir side.

Echoing my thoughts, Rylan lifts a hand, beckoning me with his index and middle fingers, a wicked smirk on his face.

I scoff, dramatically loud for effect, and cross my arms as I fight back a smile. "Why don't you come here?" I yell, internally cringing at how loud my voice sounds now that the room is empty.

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