Sleeping With The Devil

Chapter Fourteen

Farrah stood at the window of her apartment, staring out at the sprawling city of Los Angeles. The lights twinkled like stars, but they did little to brighten the darkness that weighed on her heart. It had been days since she'd told Archer that she didn't feel the same way, days since she'd watched the hurt flash across his face as she delivered the lie that still haunted her.
The truth was, she wanted him—more than anything. But wanting him and being with him were two very different things, and Farrah knew that being with her wasn't what Archer needed right now. She had seen it in his eyes, the way he softened around her, the way he became less of The Devil and more of the boy she'd grown up with. As much as she loved that side of him, she knew that in their world, that softness could be dangerous.A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She wiped her eyes quickly, taking a deep breath before crossing the room to answer it. When she opened the door, she wasn't surprised to see Viper standing there, his usual smirk replaced with a more serious expression."Viper," she greeted, her voice steady. "What are you doing here?"Viper leaned against the doorframe, his eyes scanning her face as if trying to gauge her emotions. "Can I come in?"Farrah hesitated for a moment before stepping aside and allowing him to enter. He walked into the apartment, taking a look around before turning back to her."I didn't expect to see you," she said, closing the door behind him. "Is everything okay?""Everything's fine," Viper replied, though his tone suggested otherwise. He studied her for a moment, his gaze sharp and perceptive. "I'm here because I'm worried about you."Farrah forced a small smile. "I'm fine, Viper."He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "You don't have to pretend with me, Farrah. I know you told Archer you don't feel the same way, but... we both know that's not true."Farrah's heart tightened in her chest, but she met Viper's gaze, refusing to hide. "You're right. It's not true."Viper nodded a hint of understanding in his eyes. "So why'd you do it?"Farrah sighed, crossing her arms over her chest as she tried to find the right words. "Because Archer needs to be The Devil right now. He needs to be strong, and ruthless—everything that makes him a leader. And with me... I'm afraid he'll lose that edge.""Or maybe he just needs you to remind him he's human," Viper countered, his tone gentle but firm. "We all need someone like that, Farrah."She shook her head, her emotions swirling inside her like a storm. "I know that, Viper. But I also know that if we're meant to be together, we'll find our way back to each other. But right now... right now, he needs to be who he is, and I need to give him the space to do that."Viper was silent for a moment, clearly thinking over her words. "You believe that? That if it's meant to be, it'll happen?"Farrah nodded the conviction in her voice surprising even herself. "I do. I believe that Archer and I are both where we need to be right now. He has the club, and I have my own life to figure out. We've both got things we need to work through. And maybe... maybe this is the time we need to do that."Viper's gaze softened, a small, almost sad smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You know, you're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for."Farrah let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "I don't feel strong. But I know this is what's right. For both of us."Viper stepped closer, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're making a tough call, Farrah. But if you're right—if you and Archer are meant to be—then nothing's going to keep you apart. Not even this."She looked up at him, her heart aching with the weight of the decision she'd made. "Thank you, Viper. For understanding."Viper gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before letting his hand fall back to his side. "Just know that I've got your back, no matter what happens. And I'll be there for him too."Farrah nodded, grateful for the reassurance. "I know you will."With that, Viper turned and headed for the door, pausing just before he left to give her one last look. "Take care of yourself, Farrah. And don't be afraid to reach out if you need anything.""I will," she promised, watching as he left.When the door clicked shut behind him, Farrah stood there for a long moment, letting the quiet of the apartment settle around her. She had made her choice, and while it wasn't easy, it felt like the right one. Archer needed to be The Devil right now, and she needed to give him the space to do that. If they were meant to be together, they would find their way back to each other. But for now, they were both exactly where they needed to be.