Page 24 of The Tenth Circle
More lies, because kindness comes second nature to him.
This time it’s me who does the squeezing. “Don’t be modest, asshole.”
Archer hits me with his signature gorgeous smile.
Because there is no denying he’s gorgeous. Not in the way Saint is, but in a genuine, handsome, well rounded way. His facial structure is carved from the same mold as the Royal Heathens, but Archer’s isn’t tarnished with bad intentions like theirs.
There’s a light to him I hope nobody ever snuffs out.
He blows out a breath. “Well, fine. I’m fucking awesome then!”
Mom and Auntie raise their glasses, then I follow, cheering silently to having the only decent guy in school as a friend.
Before I knewit lunch was over and we returned to Riverside. Thankfully Archer stuck around my dorm as we waited for Bex’s return from her mom’s condo a few blocks away. We spent timetalking about the classes we hate and the impending homecoming week just on the horizon—including a half hour of him convincing me to join him at the homecoming game.
I just finished caving when Bex strolled in holding a pile of books she wouldn’t put down until Archer and I forced her to.
It worked, because it’s an hour later and we’re huddled on her bed watching Netflix and stuffing our faces with snacks.
“Do we really have to watch this?” Bex whines, referring to the show Archer’s doppelganger stars in. “We are legit living in our very own fucked up high school.”
“That’s what makes the show more interesting.” Archer shrugs. “It’s relatable.”
This seems to appease Bex, because she scoots closer and plucks the popcorn out of the bucket Archer’s holding. “So who do you think each of us would be inRiverdale?”
We both pin her with a look.
“Okay, fine.” She laughs. “Hen and I.”
“Well, I’d like to say Veronica and Betty,” Archer answers casually, making me snort through a mouthful of Doritos.
“Ha! Fat chance, bucko.”
“What? Throuples are a thing now.”
This is true, and I make it a point to be inclusive.
“Alright, fine, I’ll be the Veronica to your Archie.”
Bex gags. “You two enjoy that. I want to be couple, throuple, evenquatrrouplefree for as long as I can.”
My Spidey senses tell me this plan of hers will go sideways much quicker than she thinks.
“I mean…whatever. I’d slay in one of Veronica Lodge’s black dresses and cheerleader uniforms.” My lip twitches. “Even though I really hate cheer bitches.”
Like Annalie and her nasty friend Alexis.
Bex taps her chin in thought. “Come to think of it, I can definitely pull off a Betty collared sweater.”
Archer and I burst out in a fit of chuckles and snorts, knowing damn well that isnotwhy Bex relates to Betty Fucking Cooper.
“Are you sure it ain’t the stash of kinks you got under your bed?” Archer wheezes from laughing so hard. “I mean…Betty is an undercover freak.”
Bex’s face falls, turning green. Then she slices me with the sharpest stare. “You didn’t.”
I cackle, collapsing on Archer. “Oh…I totally fucking did.”
“Bitch!” Bex squeaks, tossing some popcorn at me.
