Archer Read Online Free

placed his hand over hers and continued driving to Corner Pocket, a local bar run by her friend Charlene.
    She only wanted Kage to leave her alone until she could figure out how to handle the threat of Scott coming after her. She’d already created enough problems in her life. Involving more people would make the situation worse. Scott was unpredictable and dangerous. He also had a harsh, unfair attitude toward anyone she knew before him, including Kage.
    As Kage pulled into the parking lot, Jane sank farther down in the seat. Garrett, Lance, and Tony’s cars were parked right under the flashing neon sign. “Just great,” she muttered.
    It was unfair of him to bring her here when the bar was full of people. If they were alone, she’d try to defend her decision to keep the guys out of her business. She knew them too well to think they’d step down and let her handle Scott on her own. Because they were going to Corner Pocket, there was a good chance she’d run into others she knew, and they’d ask why she returned or about her failed relationship with Scott.
    Most of her friends had warned her to take her relationship with Scott slower, but she’d refused to listen. She truly thought at the time she was falling in love. Scott talked a good game and promised her the world. Stupidly, she’d believed him.
    Kage led her into the bar and straight to pool table 3 without saying a word. She held her chin high, refusing to cower. Her mistakes were her own, and she’d take responsibility for them.
    Garrett stood in front of her, wearing a dark blue Henley, blue jeans, and black boots. His brown hair was swept back from his forehead. He resembled their dad with the worry lines forming between his brows and the stubborn tilt of his chin. Sometimes she found it too painful to look at him, because it brought up the hurt of not being able to see her father as much as she would’ve liked. Time that she’d never get back now that her dad had passed away.
    She walked straight up to Garrett, pulled him a few feet away from the others, and glared. “You promised you wouldn’t say anything.”
    “I’m not apologizing.” Garrett lifted his mug of beer, drank long, and wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand. “I should’ve done something four years ago.”
    “I have no one to blame but myself,” she whispered.
    “Don’t put that asshole’s abuse on you. You’re a victim, and you did the best you could do under the circumstances. I’m proud of you for coming home.” Garrett’s chin lowered to his chest and he leaned closer. “But letting the agency protect you is something I’m not going to argue with you about. We’ll keep you safe. Kage wants—”
    “Hey, Janie. Welcome home,” Tony called.
    She lifted her gaze, forcing a smile as all the boys who worked at the garage joined her and Garrett. “Thanks, guys. It’s good to be back.”
    She could see the boys’ mouths harden and blinked away the tears blurring her vision. This was exactly why she’d wanted Garrett to keep her secret. She didn’t want them to see how weak she’d become and feel pity for her. Garrett’s friends had always overprotected her growing up, and she hated putting them in the position of helping her get out of the mess she’d created.
    Each one of them was scary in his own right. They’d kill or be killed protecting those they loved or were hired to protect. The guys were certified in weaponry and martial arts, and, if pushed into a corner, were street smart enough to kick ass without making a sound.
    They were more than best friends, who’d grown up together playing baseball in the summer and hanging out at each other’s houses. They were brothers. They trusted each other with their lives and weren’t afraid to put their loyalty on the line.
    When Garrett shifted his focus in college to criminal investigation while obtaining his auto body certifications to join their dad in business, he shared his idea of opening the agency