Something Worth Fighting For (REWRITING)

Chapter Twenty-Five

I wiped warm beads of tears from the outermost corner of my eye as I straightened the white dress that fell from my body. It was Hannah's dress that she demanded I wear, raving on about how it would complement every curve of my body. It had delicate straps with a classing triangle bodice. The focus point of it was the sheer floral lace detailing from below the breast down to the top of my belly button. The white lace contrasted nicely with my tan skin showing from beneath. The rest of the dress flowed out from the tight top to create a soft look. Overall, the dress was stunning. I held back a sob as I finished the fastening the straps of my dark plum heels. This whole process felt a little cruel. It felt almost like a last supper except it was making yourself look presentable for you death. I don't know which is worse. 

 I walked to the bathroom for the finishing touches. My long black hair fell down my back in loose curls, thanks to Hannah. She really went all out for this party. If only she knew what is actually going to happen. The door to Archer's room creaked open, causing me to quickly wipe any and all evidence of my crying. 

"Love, are you in here?" My knees went weak at the sound of his voice. I wanted to run to him. I wanted to tell him everything that has happened. I wanted to tell him everything I had done. I wanted to tell him the monster I was. I wanted him to tell he would love me no matter what I was. But I knew this was impossible. Everything I am doing is for him. For Emma and Kye. I couldn't risk it now. I had to stay strong and do what had to be done for the one's I care about. 

"There you are." Archer broke me from my thoughts. He had found his way into the bathroom and wrapped his arms around my waist. I leaned my head back against his chest, savoring every minute I had left with him. "You look stunning. I'm going to have to keep an eye on you tonight." I smiled at his usual protectiveness. 

"I love you, you know that right?" 

"Of course I do. Why?" He turned me around to face him. I looked into those beautiful eyes of his, memorizing every inch so I could remember them always. "River, whats going on?" His face scrunched up, all concerned. 

"Nothing I just want you to remember that." He looked deep into my eyes before gently pulling my head to his lips, kissing my forehead. He them pressed his forehead to mine, his face centimeters from me. 

"I will remember as long as you remember how much I love you in return." He gently pressed his lips to mine. I closed my eyes, feeling the tears rolling down my cheeks. He pulled away and, with his thumb, wiped them away. "I have something I need to show you tomorrow. Something about me that I think it is time you see." I nodded my head and he pressed his lips to mine again, except more firmly. My heart clenched at the idea that I wouldn't be able to see what he wanted to show me. He pulled away and kissed my forehead again before walking back into his bedroom. 

I watched from the bathroom door as he pulled his v-neck over his head before picking up the navy blue button up shirt laying on the bed. Before I processed what I was doing I walked over to him and began placing small kisses down his back. I wrapped my arms around his waist, rubbing my nails up and down his chest as I kept working on his back. He stiffened under my touch, not expecting it. 

"You shouldn't tease me this way. You don't know what you've gotten yourself into." 

"I do, though." I murmured against his skin. I turned him around and sat him down on the bed. He looked up at me with a familiar hunger in his eye. I slowly straddled him as I lowered my lips to his neck. I felt his arms wrap around my waist and pull me closer to him. My lips moved slowly down his neck until I got to the crook. I began sucking and biting the skin, causing groans to erupt from Archer. One of his hands wrapped into my hair and the other one gripped under my butt. I pulled away from his neck and looked at my work.