The Fall Read Online Free PDF Page A

stood as she approached, gesturing to the chair next to him. He sat down awkwardly. His mother had taught Jake and him how to treat women, albeit over two thousand years ago, and they continued to do so out of routine and deference. Still, he didn’t want to give Addison the wrong idea. What idea do I want to give her? he thought with confusion.
    “Can I get you anything, Addison? Coffee, or maybe something to eat?”
    She nodded. “A cappuccino would be lovely.”
    Archer got up, went to the counter, and returned with a cup in his hand. He handed it to her, looking at her for a few seconds before he took a deep breath and started talking again.
    “Well, we found out a little more about the guy. His name is actually Malachi, and he’s a nasty piece of work. We don’t know what his endgame is,” he lied. “But we do know that he’s in some deep stuff.”
    “But what does he want with me?” she asked, frowning deeply.
    “Addison, I don’t know. Look, I know this is sudden but I want you to come stay with my brother and I for a few days or until this is sorted. We don’t know why this guy wants you yet, but while we figure it out, I want to make sure you’re safe. Jake and I will protect you.” Archer wasn’t sure where this had come from, but as he said it he was convinced this was the only way to keep her safe from Malachi.
    Addison almost choked on her cappuccino. “You want me to live at your house? I don’t even know you! What about my classes? What about work?”
    Archer went over the details in his head quickly, a plan forming. “I’ll accompany you to work and Jake will watch over you at school, or vice versa. Either way, someone will always be guarding you. We won’t be strangers long.” The last comment held a hint of a promise, and Addison’s faint blush suggested she didn’t miss it.
    “Look, I appreciate your concern, I really do. But this is just crazy! Haven’t you heard of stranger-danger?” she joked. “I’m not going to move in with two unknown men because of a threat I’m not sure even exists!”
    Archer took a deep breath and thought carefully about how to persuade her. Before he could try, she cut him off. “Look, I appreciate your concern, but I’m staying at my place. I’ll keep your number in case anything else happens, okay?” Her eyes were filled with determination, her resolution evident, and Archer knew when to quit.
    “Okay, but please, be careful.” She gave a warm smile, so gentle it made his heart hurt.
    “Don’t worry. My roommate will protect me,” she said with a wink, standing up with her purse in hand. She kissed him on the cheek before turning to leave.
    This woman is dangerous , Archer thought before jealousy sparked through him. Who the hell is her roommate?
    ***
    Addison was having a terrible day. She was late to class after having to go back home to get her forgotten phone. When she got to school, she realised that she had left her backpack when she’d gone back in the house and had to go back to retrieve it. She was finally in the lecture theatre, hopefully with all her things, only to find that the room was completely empty. She looked around in confusion. Nothing. She pulled out her phone, and checked her student email. “Class cancelled” read the subject of the first email in her inbox.
    “Damn it!” she blurted out, drawing the attention of various passers-by. She closed her eyes and looked to the sky, trying to draw some kind of inner-strength from the powers that be. Shaking it off, she made her way over to the library. At least she’d be able to get some reading done.
     
    Two hours later, she felt somewhat satisfied with her progress and called it a day. Making her way over to the bus stop, she saw a familiar figure standing against it. She froze, terrified. Malachi was casually leaning against a pole, scoping girls that passed him with a slimy grin. She reached for her phone, calling the only person she knew who could help