The Reader Read online

  “Come in.”

  Archer’s smiling face peered around the doorframe. “Is it safe?” he asked.

  I laughed and asked, “Why wouldn’t it be?” When he came farther into the room, I saw his black eye. “Tell me you didn’t get that from me.”

  “Okay. I won’t,” he said with a wink.

  I gasped, recalling how I struggled when he lifted me off the chair. “I did that?”

  He grinned, and even though I had marred his good looks, he was still gorgeous. Blond hair streaked with even lighter shades and combined with the brightest bottle-green eyes I’d ever seen. He stood inside the door frame, all six-foot-three of him, waiting . . . for me.

  I gulped.

  He walked over to my chair and took my now-sweaty hand. “Don’t worry about it. I should’ve been prepared. I suspected you were having a flashback of some sort.”

  I pulled my hand free and, covering my face, asked, “Did I punch you?”

  Another wide grin, and those beautiful eyes of his did that crinkling thing I loved.

  “Nothing as aggressive as that. Just an elbow. You weren’t trying to hurt me. You wanted to get away from—”

  “I know, I know! Please don’t remind me.” My skin crawled all over again.

  Archer turned to Doc. “Is it all right if I take her on a walk? I’d like to show her around a little.”

  “Yes, that’s a good idea. We’re done here.”

  “Thank you, Doc.” I gave him a quick hug. “And thanks for talking to me.”

  He waved and said, “Have fun.”

  Archer took hold of my hand again as we left. I tried to tug it free once we were out the door, but he held tight.

  Well, okay then.

  “I’m taking you to the waterfalls. You’ll love them,” he said with a reassuring smile.

  Interesting. “Are the waterfalls inside the compound?”

  “You’ll see.” A sweet expression followed as he led me past the elevator, like a little boy hiding a secret.

  “No transvater?”

  “No. Walking will strengthen you.”

  “You’re a doctor now?” I lifted an eyebrow.

  “Well, actually, yes, I am.”

  “No. You’re teasing me. Really?” I stopped walking.

  “I don’t practice medicine much anymore. We leave most of that to Doc. I have to pass boards every three years, but most of my studies were done years ago.”

  “How many doctors live here?”

  “Right now, two-hundred-seventy-six of us are licensed doctors, with three more in Med-School. We need the ability to take care of each other.” He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I told you I’d look out for you, and I meant it.”

  The sincerity in his unwavering gaze made my stomach flip. He moved a step closer, and his eyes dropped to my lips.

  I forgot to breathe for a moment.

  Lucy rounded the corner. “There you are!”

  I took a step back and struggled to regain my composure. “Hey, Lucy. We’re about to go to the waterfalls.”

  She turned to Archer. “The waterfalls.” She dropped her chin and raised a brow. “You’re taking Ann to the waterfalls?”

  “Yes.” He stared back at Lucy. Or was that a glare?

  “Does Devon know?” Her eyes narrowed, and I swore her hair turned a brighter red.

  “Devon’s off doing what Devon does.” He waved a hand in the air. “The waterfalls are calming. After what she’s been through, I’d think you’d agree.”

  “Then you won’t mind if I tag along, right?” She raised both eyebrows. “I am her liaison, after all.”

  “Skipping classes?” he asked.

  “Nope.” She flipped her hair back.

  They faced each other in a silent showdown.

  Archer let out a long breath and said, “Fine. Let’s go.”

  The fire-haired beauty won.

  Ten more minutes of walking through open corridors that branched out in every direction had me thinking we’d never arrive. “Are we there yet?” I asked, but it came out high-pitched, like a child. A flush of embarrassment spread across my cheeks.

  Archer gave my hand a little squeeze. “You’re funny.”

  “She might not be joking.” Lucy stopped and examined me. “You feeling all right?”

  “Yes. Yes, I’m sorry for complaining. I feel fine.” I glanced back in the direction we’d just come. “Samara is so much bigger than I imagined, like it goes on forever.”

  “Forever has just ended.” Archer opened a large door with a rubber flange that ran around the entire frame, and we stepped inside.

  “Holy . . . Wow. How in the world were you able to do this?” We’d entered a different world. A huge room, I’d guess to be around ten thousand square feet, stretched out before me. Green tropical foliage and the perfumed scent of cascading water invited me in. I inhaled the rich aroma and took a closer look around.

  I pointed to the waterfall. “That’s breathtaking.”

  “Isn’t it? Thirty-feet of power crashing into the lake.”

  I took off my shoes and stepped into the sand. The soft granules were warm and welcoming.

  My head tilted up. “It looks like the sky.” Painted blue, the vaulted ceilings soared above us.

  “We installed extra light tubes in here. It helps, don’t you think?”

  “Yeah, I feel like I’m outside. This is incredible.” The natural sunlight made me squint. I put my hand over my eyes and continued to look around. At near seventy-five degrees, the temperature made me warm, without being too hot. Moisture gathered on my skin, and the thunderous sound of the rushing water helped me relax.

  “Let’s grab some chairs and sit next to the lagoon. We’re lucky; there aren’t many people here today.” Lucy started to drag some chairs next to the water’s edge. “Next time, Ann, we’ll bring swimsuits and go in.”

  I winced, remembering the last time I was in the water. Not so fun.

  “Whenever you’re ready,” Lucy said, taking my hand and tugging me toward the chairs. Archer still had possession of my other hand.

  “Um . . . guys?”

  They stopped glaring at each other for a moment and turned toward me.

  “My arm kinda hurts.”

  The release of both my hands was instantaneous. In unison, they both said, “Sorry!”

  A beeping sound came from Lucy’s hip. She unhooked a small rectangular case and groaned when she read the message. “I have to go.” She turned to Archer, pointing at him. “You behave.”

  He widened his beautiful eyes and set his hand over his heart. “Me?”

  She spun back toward me. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back in ten, fifteen minutes tops.” With one more warning glare at Archer, she left.

  Archer laughed and rubbed his hands together. “We have fifteen minutes to do all sorts of bad things. What would you like to start with first?”

  I raised an eyebrow, and he laughed harder.

  “Come on. Let’s get a seat and relax before Her Highness returns.”

  We arranged our beach chairs side-by-side, and I tipped mine back. “This is the perfect place for me today.” A familiar, peaceful feeling washed over me, and I closed my eyes.

  “Better?” he asked.

  “A hundred percent. I’ve all but forgotten about the hairy monster in the cafeteria. Well, I take that back, I can still see his beady eyes. But I feel much better.”

  “Good.”

  My eyes scanned the area again. “This had to have been a lot of work.”

  “Yeah. The Elders have gone to a lot of trouble to make our lives as normal as possible. They’ve done a good job.”

  “What else have they done?” I turned in my chair to face him.

  “They’ve set up a system to make sure everyone has a goal or a job that stimulates them. We avoid boredom at all costs. We keep the cycle different.”

  “In what way?”

  “Our cycles are both work and pleasure related. Re
aders are sent out in groups to gather information that helps with the running of the compound. We also leave on vacation or sabbaticals. They’ve made every effort to make life in our mountain as light and real as possible. We need to be out in the world, even if it’s in small doses. Usually after two months, we’re called back.”

  “Why two months?”

  “That seems to be the best amount of time. It can be emotionally draining to be around thoughts that aren’t our own.”

  “Yeah. Doc told me about that. How do you deal with it? Are you okay?”

  A slow grin spread across his face. “Thanks for asking. I’m good.”

  I returned his smile.

  He leaned over and whispered in my ear, “I want to ask you a favor.” The scruff on his jaw bristled against my cheek.

  I pulled back a little. “What type of favor?”

  “Don’t make any decisions for at least a month. I think, by that time, you’ll have learned who we are and how you fit in.”

  I studied him for a moment, trying to interpret his words. “What type of decision?”

  He looked down and pulled a piece of thread loose from the edge of his t-shirt. His eyes drifted up and met mine. “I’m just going to say it. Please don’t put me in the ‘friend’ or ‘like-a-brother’ category—not yet, not until we get to know each other. I’m just asking for a chance.” He bit his lip and waited.

  My heart sped up a little. “But you don’t know me. Not really.”

  He picked up my hand again. “Don’t freak out.”

  “That sentence alone freaks me out.”

  More surprises. Just great.

  “I was the one they sent to guard your house.” He slumped a little. “My two months were up. I was called back just before your parents died. I should’ve stayed.” Rubbing his face, he gazed off into the distance.

  “Well, you can’t predict the future like a Seer, right? Please don’t feel badly.”

  With a subdued smile, he said, “No. We couldn’t have seen it. But I keep thinking I missed something.” He shook his head.

  “How did you get to know me?” I asked, not sure if I wanted to hear his answer.

  “We had cameras with audio.”

  My mouth dropped open, unnerved knowing strangers had watched us.

  Archer placed his hand on my arm. “Don’t worry; they were only in the main living areas, and only there for your protection. I never saw you in person though. You never left.”

  “You mean, in the two months you watched us, I never left the house?” That seemed odd. “Did we know we were in danger?”

  He hesitated. “We’ve all agreed the information you receive about your life would come from Doc. I can’t say a lot. But what I can say is, I was able to know you—but not in a creepy, stalker way.” He squeezed my hand. “You’re strong, Ann. Like no one I’ve ever met.”

  I placed my free hand over my face and tried to think. Something about what he’d said made sense. A familiar emotion edged at the outskirts of my memory. Hiding. That was familiar. I always hid. But why?

  You’re special. We have to protect you.

  A memory. Not the annoying voice this time. I didn’t know which was worse.

  “What was I like? Was I happy?” Tears welled. I blinked them back.

  He got up and sat next to me on my lounge chair. With hands cupping my face, he said, “Yes, you were. That’s what I admired most about you.” He glanced down at my lips again. His lips looked soft and full. I had an urge to feel them against mine.

  Definitely not in the friend category.

  “I was there, too. You forgot to mention that.” Devon’s voice cut through the fog. Archer’s story had captivated me so much, I hadn’t realized anyone else was around.

  Archer stiffened, rose, and returned to his chair.

  “Really, Archer? The waterfalls? She’s been here all of two days.” His scowl was deep, his voice impatient.

  Archer crossed his arms and glowered at him.

  “What’s wrong with the waterfa—oh.” I hadn’t noticed before, but everyone here seemed to be enjoying themselves. Very much. Couples were scattered around the beach, in the water, and lying on the sand. All of them . . . cozy. Well, well, well. Archer had taken me on a date? No wonder Lucy had acted so strange. A giggle started low in my belly and made its way up before I slapped a hand over my mouth.

  “I didn’t bring her here for that,” he grumbled. “It’s been a stressful few days. I wanted her to unwind.” He turned to me and asked, “You were relaxing until he showed up, right?”

  “A little too much.” Devon’s glare flipped back and forth between Archer and me.

  Heat warmed my cheeks. It was official. Devon is a jerk.

  “Yes, it’s very calming. Thank you for bringing me here, Archer. I appreciate it.” I flashed Devon my best ‘mind your own business’ look and closed my eyes, ignoring them both.

  After an hour of drifting in and out of sleep, I heard, “You can leave now, Devon. I’m sure you have better things to do.”

  “No, I need more relaxing time myself. Good idea, Archer.”

  “It’s not going to work,” Archer growled.

  “What won’t work?” Devon’s voice rose a little. Ah, he was playing innocent.

  “Babysitting. Things will happen as they should. You know that.”

  My eyes popped open. “What things?”

  They both turned toward me as if they just remembered I was there.

  Devon ignored me and said to Archer, “I’m hungry. I think it’s time for dinner. Sound good?”

  “Wait a minute. You’re not leaving me?”

  They both got up from their chairs, brushed themselves off, and started toward the exit.

  “I don’t know how to get back!” I called out.

  Devon waved me on. “Come on then.”

  I scrambled and caught up to them. “You were going to ditch me just because I asked a question?” I gave Archer a pointed stare.

  He grimaced. “We have a gag order for now. Things are difficult.” He held the door open for me. “And no, we weren’t going to leave you. Maybe distract you a bit so you’d forget your question.”

  “Well, I feel so much better.” I walked ahead of them, but stopped when I realized I had no clue where to go.

  “Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it soon.” Archer gave my back an encouraging pat.

  My frustration put aside for now, I followed them to the Hub. Once we entered, my stomach growled. The food smelled delicious, and breakfast seemed like days ago.

  “Here, please sit.” Archer pulled out a chair and gave a little bow. “I’ll get you a plate. What would you like to eat?”

  I flopped down, willing to be pampered a little. “You choose. I’m not picky.”

  They left on their quest for food. The large space was filled with close to two hundred people, all involved in various activities. Some were having a bite to eat, like us. Others sat at tables and appeared to be studying and working on computers. In one corner, two men played a game of ping pong.

  “Hey, I’m Susie.” A girl’s voice startled me.

  “Oh, hi. I didn’t see you come up.”

  “That’s okay.” She sat in the chair next to me.

  I expected a beauty, like all the others, but she was even prettier, if that was possible. Wavy, blond hair that almost sparkled with its shiny gloss. Bright eyes, a pert nose, and white teeth. What was I doing in this place of genetically supreme people?

  “I wanted to have a little friendly girl talk with you,” she said.

  “Okay.” Something was off. Maybe her smile?

  “Your little performance today? You know the ‘Oh, help me, I saw a mouse’ one? It’s not going to work.”

  Wow. Jealous much? Doc was right. They hadn’t evolved through the basic emotions.

  “It wasn’t a performance.” I pressed my lips together and tried to calm my anger. I glared at her while my nails bit into my palms.


  “Give me a break. I’m sure you already know they’re like royalty around here, and I won’t let some two-bit Reader from who-knows-where undo years of strategy and planning. They’re mine.”

  She said all this through clenched teeth while smiling. I almost applauded.

  “Seriously? Both?” I hoped she was joking.

  “I haven’t decided yet—so, yes. Stay away.” She got up from her chair with her stupid, fake smile still plastered on her face. “Or you’ll be sorry.”

  “Oh, Archer. Devon. I’m so happy to see you.” The blond Barbie threw her arms around Archer first, avoiding his plate of food, then moved on to molest Devon.

  Did they like this she-devil?

  “Susie, when did you get back?” Archer asked with a huge smile.

  Yes. They liked her. She must be a master at blocking.

  “Just yesterday. I tried to find both of you, but you were busy.” She shot a glance at me.

  “We’re never too busy for you,” Devon said, winking at her.

  Was he flirting with her? If I had food in my stomach, I’d have hurled. Archer put a plate of food in front of me. Funny, I wasn’t hungry anymore.

  “Have you met Ann?” He looked back and forth between us. Susie had her smile in place, but I wasn’t as good an actress. I tried to smile, but the scowl competed for dominance on my face.

  She flashed an angelic expression at Archer. “Yes. We just had a lovely talk.”

  He grinned back. Oh, please. He fell for it.

  “That’s great. I’m sure you two have a lot in common,” he said.

  Well, Archer was right about that.

  Lucy plopped down next to me at the perfect time, because I was about to blurt out something inappropriate to Miss Perfect Susie Q. I didn’t need any enemies my first week.

  “I’m so sorry, Ann. I’d hoped to get back to the waterfalls to check in, but we had an emergency.” Lucy grabbed a salt shaker and sprinkled her French fries.

  “She was at the waterfalls? With whom?” Susie’s friendly expression would have fooled most people, but the small tic next to her right eye gave her away.

  Devon and Archer shot each other a glance.

  Lucy broke the awkward silence. “Archer and Devon are in charge of her initiation. I’m her liaison. Did you have any questions?” She had a great way of maintaining a polite demeanor, without being rude. Lessons were needed; I was ready to suggest organ donation. Her heart specifically. It wasn’t doing much for her.