Mine for a Moment

by Catharina Maura

Tyra wasn’t just Archer’s girlfriend—she was Ezra’s best friend and the big sister I never had.

“Please,” I whisper, my heart aching. “Tell me why you’re crying, sweetheart. Tell me how to make this right.”

“You’ll find someone who will see your worth, Serenity. You’ll occupy his every thought, and you’ll be everything to him. The kind of love you’re after is out there, and you’ll find it—with the right person.”

“Because the man she’s marrying truly loves her as much as she loves him, even though they both claim to hate each other. Someday, you’ll find someone who loves you the same way—unconditionally, despite the odds, despite the obstacles life might throw your way.”

work, they’ll take one look at your curly hair and the color of your skin, and they’ll judge you harder than your peers. Despite my education, I’ve had to work twice as many hours as my peers for the same promotions, the same opportunities, the same salary. The same goes for Dad. It’s so rare to have an advantage, and I promise you, anyone else in your position would leverage it.”

“It’s nothing,” I whisper. “Please, Arch. Pretend you didn’t see it.” His jaw tics and his breathing quickens. “People I’d want to lose my virginity to,” he reads out, his eyes flicking over the grand total of two names on the list.

LMFAO

her. Something I’ve never experienced before settles in my stomach. It’s not quite protectiveness, but it’s something close to it. Whatever it is, it fucking infuriates me.

Jealousy Probably

“If you aren’t mad, then why haven’t you spoken to Kristen once since I told you about us?” His voice is tormented, and my stomach twists when I find him looking at me like that, all because of her. “She misses you, Serenity.”

Wtf cause Kristen is a shitty ass friend who knew i liked you and went for you anyway lik a bitch! Wtf kinda question is that?!

“No,” Archer says before I can answer at all, his hand sliding farther up my thigh, his touch oddly possessive.

Ummm excuse me?!

“Do you understand that if we do this, you’ll be mine?” I ask, my tone harsher than I’d intended. “I don’t want anyone else touching you.” “You’re asking for fidelity?” she asks. I nod, and she raises a brow. “Are you willing to give me the same in return?” “You won’t have to worry about that, darling. I’m yours.”

I pull my hand out of his, my stomach dropping when I realize that they’re living in one of the apartments I imagined Theo and me in. He might not know what he’s asking of me, but Kristen does.

What a bitch

They’re living in the place that was my top pick for Theo and me, the same one I told Kristen about so many times that she could hardly stand to hear any more about it.

This shit pisses me off

“God, I love making your dreams come true,” he says, cupping my cheek. “There’s nothing better in life than being the reason behind your smile. Nothing at all.”

You’re just mine for a moment.”

Because I want to make sure you always have access to anything you want, whenever you want. Because I need to know that any time of the day, I can get you your favorite ice cream and make you smile.

“Don’t cry, darling,” he says, his voice breaking. “I’ve got you. Everything is okay now. You’re home, baby.”

Oh SHIT!! Archer NOOOOOOO!!!! Not you calling them both Darling?!

“You are entitled to me. I love you, Serenity. With all I am. All I have.”

“Don’t wait for me, Theo. Forever isn’t long enough for me to forget about Archer.”