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“Your time will come,” I say dryly.

“I hope so,” she sighs.

She moves away as a customer places her selections on the counter. I’m very aware of my smile as I check out the rest of the humans. I avoid looking at Archer or Aria. I think about Archer smiling at another woman, and I narrow my eyes. I don’t like the thought one bit. I’ve avoided imagining him with a girlfriend, and I don’t want to ask if he’s ever loved anyone. I’m sure he hasn’t remained celibate, waiting for his soul bond to come along. I haven’t been paying attention to the women in the store. Did they look at him? Smile? Think for one second he's available?

The questions sicken me. He’s mine.

The last customer arrives at the counter. A man. He selected several mystery books, and I don’t return his grin. He leans casually across from me, and I know he's interested. When you work with the public as a woman, you get to know the signs. Sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to flirt if they appeal to you. I always thought it was harmless. Aria’s words bounce around my head as the customer tries to make eye contact.

“I like your tattoos,” he says, tapping his card on the counter.

“Thanks,” I say.

It would be odd if I didn’t respond in some way, so I keep it short and sweet, he should get the message. I ignore Aria’s loud cough from the first aisle.

“You must love books,” he continues.

“Sure.” I quickly scan the last book.

“Do you like working here?”

He’s fucking persistent.

“Yes.” I hold my hand out for his card and wait.

“I was thinking—”

“Don’t,” Archer growls, and I look up. He stops beside me and grabs the payment.

I drop my hand weakly, watching my bond finish the transaction. His expression is hard, and he stares at the customer as he hands him the bag of books.

“I was—” The man gulps.

“I know what you were doing, and I said don’t.” Archer circles my wrist and pulls me back.

“I would go,” Aria says, sliding beside the man. “Cut your losses. Better luck next time.” She waves her hand, shooing him away.

He finally gets the message, turning quickly and escaping the store.

“Umm…” I step close to Archer. “That was my customer service smile. I would never encourage anyone when I have you.” I press my palm to his chest. “You are all I see.”

“I want all your smiles,” he growls, and my heart thuds.

“That’s actually really sweet.” I lick my lips. “I want to give them to you.” I stare at him dreamily.

“He wanted more.” He releases my wrist and wraps his arm around me.

“It didn’t matter what he wanted,” I whisper, tilting my head back.

I forget about Aria and Rome. Mara and Mateo are in the back room with Lace, but it wouldn’t matter if they were on the other side of the counter. All my attention is on Archer and the intensity of his stare. He covers my hand with his, and I can feel the beat of his heart.

Love.

I think they're right. It didn’t take long for me to fall into it, ready to give this man everything I am.

The door slams open, and I jump.

“They're gone,” Granny says.