Not So Innocent

Chapter 9

"I just want the new skirt styles to have something unique to them. A line of

buttons down the side or a slit up the thigh that is covered in lace. I think it

draws a new crowd for the business casual side of our customers."

I've spent the last 45 minutes on video chat explaining to my assistant the

reason these new skirts need special marketing.

Part of me is frustrated to be honest. Why is she questioning me? I'm the

boss!

It takes nearly an additional 25 minutes before I snap.

"Because I said so! This is what I want for the new season and this is what

you'll send to the marketing team! Do your job or I'll find someone who can!"

I slam the computer shut and bang my head on the desk in frustration.

"Is everything alright honey?"

I look up to see daddy Jack standing in the doorway.

I give him the sad eyes so I don't need to speak for him to understand.

He comes over, embracing me in his arms.

"Business can be stressful I know, but I'm not an expert. Your other dad is the

business parent. I'm sorry I can't be of more help."

I shake my head and plant a kiss on his cheek. He's already helped so much.

If I were to really open up to him, he'd know he's already cured most of my

frustration with a hug. The real reason behind my anger and impatince today

is Archer.

He's called six times since last night and I've been ignoring his texts.

I can't speak to him until I've cooled down or who knows what could happen.

"You've already made me feel better daddy. You know you've got the magic

hugs."

He gives a chuckle and says with snark,

"That's not the only thing of mine your mother says is magic."

My eyes buldge and I begin pushing my dad out of the bedroom.

"Ohmagod! No! Nope! Didn't need that information. Go take that tension out

on mom."

I close the door Swiftly behind him and hear his footsteps walking down the

hall.

His booming voice echoes,

"Oh Thia! I've got something for you!"

I nearly gag. Why is it my parents are the ones who can't keep their hands to

themselves? What did I do to deserve this?

Dramatics aside, I decide to sketch a few more designs until I hear my phone

ringing again.

Checking the collar ID, I see it's Archer.

I plop on the bed and hit ignore, but I can't help but feel guilty.

I suppose the least I could do is read his messages.

Opening the phone, I see 12 new messages.

Skye I'm sorry.

Please answer me.

Answer my calls baby.

SKYE don't ignore me

ANSWER YOUR GODDAMN PHONE!

I'm so sorry angel please pick up

At least let me know your safe...

What's wrong with you? Stop being a brat and text me back

Honey now.

PICK UP!!!

Last chance.

Fine. I'm coming over.

My phone slides out of my hands.

What?!

Did I read...

Shit. No.no.no.no.no.

I check the time he sent it and see that it was almost fifteen minutes ago.

It only takes twenty to get here from his flat.

I hit the redaill button as quickly as possible, but it goes to voicemail.

I try again.

And again.

Finally realizing he won't talk to me until he gets here, I bolt out of my room

and down the stairs.

Trying to form a plan, I realize the only other person who knows is James.

I run back up the stairs full speed to James's old room and barge in without

knocking.

James and Jonah sit on the floor with blueprints spread out everywhere, both

men now looking at me startled.

"You good?" Jonah asks with worried eyes.

"I need to talk to James ASAP. Right now!" I motion frantically.

"Come on!"

My brother jumps up and tells his twin he'll be right back.

Ushering me into the hall he grips both my shoulders.

"Whats wrong?"

I give him the once over, Archer and I had a fight and now he's coming.

"I need you to distract mom and dad's. Get rid of them! Don't let them near a

window and keep them occupied for like ten minutes!"

He seems hesitant at first but agrees, hastily making his way to round up our

parents and keep them in the kitchen.

I make my way out the front door and try to reach the end of the long driveway

to have a talk with Archer as far away from the house as possible.

I close my eyes in irritation as I hardly make it down the front steps before a

familiar car rolls into the driveway at a dangerous speed.

A dust cloud forms as Archer pulls his car to a stop, barely braking before

hopping out.

His strides are forceful and his face is furious.

Turning to check that no one is watching, I step down to meet him half way.

"You know it's not safe to come here," I whisper in fear of his wrath.

Instead of embracing me like I thought he would, his large hand grips tightly to

the skin on the back of my neck.

I let out a pained whimper as he pulls my head back so I look up at him.

"When I call or text you, you will answer. Am I clear?"

I nod as best I can in this awkward position.

"Words!" He growls bringing his other hand up to squeeze my chin roughly.

"Yes," I tremble out.

I've never seen him this angry at me. Of course in the ring or at a restraunt he

displays a certain... Irritation when things don't go his way, but never has he

directed this at me.

He let's go of me immediately, planting a hard kiss on my mouth.

"Good girl."

It's now that I know I need to tell him to go, but after what he just pulled I don't

know if I can.

Will it anger him more?

What if I offer to go with him?

I never get the chance.

Instead, I see nine of my brothers all barricading out of the door and towards

Archer and I.

Busted.