Fragile Fire

Chapter 10

"What?" He yells after me. I run into his room and lock him out. "V, what's going on?" He asks. Every second that passes causes my heart to break a little more.

"I'm not going to let you get hurt because of me." I admit starting to cry.

"V," he whispers, "please open the door. I walk to the door and can hear him breathing.

"No," I whisper and lean my forehead against the door.

"V, please." He whispers.

"I won't let you get hurt." I admit and the hear the door handle start to shake furiously. 

"V, don't do this," he pleads.

"No," I whisper again when the door swings open. I turn around and run to the window. His arms come around my waist and he turns me around to face him. "V, why do you think someone would hurt me?

"They took away everything I love. They want to hurt me." I admit playing with his shirt.

"Vanessa, do you love me?" He asks sounding genuinely curious. I shrug my shoulders. "Do you miss me when I'm away," he  kisses my forehead. "I do," he kisses down my neck. "Does your heat race when I do this?" He asks and kisses my lips. "Does the thought of me with someone else make your blood boil? For me the mere thought of someone else touching you makes me murderous," he whispers in my ear and I shiver.

"Archer," I say and he doesn't stop.

"1. You're amazing, 2. You're so kind, 3. You love everything you have"

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"4. You're beautiful, 5. You're mine." He admits and kisses my forehead.

"I would punch anyone else for saying shit like that." I groan and he laughs.

"I know V," he laughs and kisses my forehead.

"Archer, I still need to go." I admit awkwardly and he tenses.

"V. I love you. I'm not letting you go after I just got you." He says holding me tighter.

"I won't let anything hurt you." I say shakily. I reach for his hands behind me and hold them to my chest. Slowly, I place soft kisses to each finger and I feel his eyes follow me. I back up slowly and release him.

"V! Wait!" He yells and pulls me close to him. "you didn't give me an answer."

"If you play with fire you get burned."

"Then burn me," he says and kisses me.

"Archer, I won't."

"It's not just your decision!" He yells.

"You don't think I know that! Every decision I make is being watched!" I yell back.

"V, do you trust me?"

"Yes, of course."

"Then trust me when I say this, as long as we have each other we'll be okay." He promises and leans his forehead against mine. 

"What does that even mean?"

"Vanessa Grace Mitchell, I love you more than words could ever describe. Would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" 

"Yes!" I shout, "a thousand times yes!" I jump into his arms and he spins me.

"I love you"

"I love you too," I whisper.