Page 19 of Unmasking Secrets
Archie stands next to me in a suit. Originally, he was supposed to stand farther back, but he said he couldn’t look like security. They’ve put him in a mask that promotes the event in the hope he blends in with the rest of us.
He’s certainly built like a superhero. Those muscles of his aren’t exactly hidden beneath his custom-tailored suit. If he weren’t so gorgeous, he might fit in even more. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him so dressed up. Then I remember my wedding.
I didn’t think he would be able to be there that day. Then he surprised me—in uniform. I didn’t want to admit it to myself then. He looked good. Even my bridesmaids went on and on about the hot guy in the uniform. It was like the spotlight was on him and not the groom.
Archie is blending in surprisingly well. He can certainly put on an act. Posing and keeping a straight face or slight smirk. It’s too easy to see him blending in with my life, and I don’t know how I feel about that.
I get sandwiched between Max and Eric, his boyfriend, at one point. We pause and pose for pictures. Several others get thrownin, including Archie. Flashes and shouts go off as we make our way across the carpet.
Everyone disperses at various points, all pulling away for interviews and more photos. My mind floats away, as if I’m looking down on this moment. My body moves and turns. Hand on hip before pausing with a smile and saying hello. I know I’m being interviewed, but I don’t feel here.
The entire time, my head is elsewhere. Not that it’s surprising. It’s not like I have control over what’s happening. This moment of fake peace is about to come to an abrupt stop.
The next thing I know, we’re up the stairs and headed to the theater. I glance at Archie, and he nods. It’s basically time.
“Max.” I reach out and touch Max’s arm.
He smiles back at me briefly, but something must register on my face, just beneath the smile. “What’s going on?”
“I’m going to the restroom.” I hesitate, hoping he’ll pick up on what I’mreallysaying. He opens his mouth to speak, then narrows his eyes. I nod. “I’ll catch up soon.”
He leans closer to whisper in my ear. “Be safe and call me when you can.”
I spin around to move down the hall. Small signs with arrows point toward the bathroom. I don’t need to turn around to know Archie is right behind me. My breathing remains steady as my heart races. One foot in front of the other as we round the corner. We pass by the restroom and head toward the emergency exit.
“Wait.” Archie grabs my arm. He hesitates, looks behind us and then peeks out the door. “Alright.” He takes my hand and pulls me toward a small black car with black windows.
“Arch?” My hands shake once we’re inside. I grab the seatbelt and buckle myself in.
He rests a hand on my exposed leg. “It’s going to be okay.” He pulls the car out of the parking spot, then we take a back alley towards the road.
I’m so turned around by the time we pull out onto the highway. But I trust him. Archie remains silent as we speed up. His eyes occasionally glance out the rearview mirror. I watch the whites of his knuckles as his hands tighten on the steering wheel. My stomach drops as our speed increases and he maneuvers around other cars.
“Are we being followed?” I don’t dare turn around and peek for myself.
“I’m going to protect you.” His jaw ticks and his nostrils flare.
I don’t doubt him. It doesn’t stop my throat from feeling like it’s closing. My mouth goes dry.
He makes a quick exit as we approach traffic. Cars have backed up, so he quickly moves to pass them. Horns sound around us, but Archie doesn’t care. I don’t either. He turns under a ramp and takes another road.
After a few more turns, I notice his shoulders drop slowly. We’re headed in a different direction now, but he seems visibly relaxed.
I look around with wide eyes as we drive through an open gate of a small airport. Airplanes line the side. It doesn’t take long to see the one meant for us. We park right near the ramp, where a man stands waiting.
CHAPTER TWELVE
ARCHIE
“Sir.” Hops salutes me.
I salute him in return before we both chuckle and hug, ending in a slap on the back. We haven’t seen each other in probably two years.
“I really appreciate this.” When I reached out, he didn’t even hesitate to say he would be there.
“It’s nothing, I owe—” he starts.
“Honestly.” I interrupt. I know what he’s going to say. He’ll tell me how I saved his life, but that isn’t something I want Tabitha to know. If she hears those words, she’ll have questions, and that isn’t a story I feel like discussing. It was, honestly, a lifetime ago.
