Page 113 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“Good night.” The longing in Paloma’s eyes as she walks away cuts me.

“Good night, Paloma.” I let her go. When she disappears at the top of the stairs, I turn to Mary Jane. “I’ll be in my study.”

I sit behind my desk, tapping at the keyboard to wake up my laptop. I’m determined to listen to the recording tonight. Even if it means waiting another three hours until Gardenia wakes up. I’ve seen her plant these bugs a couple of times.

While I know I did everything right, I’m not sure if I set up the Bluetooth part of it correctly. If Gardenia was here, I would’ve had instant feedback on Paloma’s conversation. This is what I get for trying to be the understanding husband and giving her privacy with her dad.

I grab my phone again and dial Gardenia. This time, the trilling echoes in the foyer. What the fuck? I jump to my feet. I make it to the middle of my study before Gardenia runs in and wraps her arms around my waist.

“Surprise.” She beams at me. “Are you surprised?”

“What are you doing here? Where’s Fisher? And Jacob?” I ask. “Wait. Did Mom come with you?”

“Sleeping already. Aunt Freya too.” She waves her hand in dismissal. “They were too tired to wait for you. After William called to let Mary Jane know about the Senator, everyone just went to bed.” She shrugs.

“Mary Jane didn’t tell me you were here.” I shoot a glance toward the foyer.

“Don’t be mad at her. I told her I wanted to surprise you.” She throws her arms around my neck. “So, what is so urgent that you’re calling me every ten minutes. Oh my God. If I were still in London, I would be fast asleep.”

“I need you,” I confess, smiling.

The last time Gardenia and I spoke, she was pissed at me. But now, she’s herself again. She’s even happy. I knew her being in love with me was just another one of her impulsive behaviors. She was shocked to see me come home with a wife. But sooner or later, I knew she’d come around. I’m just glad she came around before tonight because I really need her.

“What happened?” She plops herself on my desk. “Is it the Senator?”

“Yes and no.” I stop to look at her red cheeks. “Are we okay? Before you left a month ago, you were so pissed at me.”

“I was mad at you. But now I’m not. I missed you.” She glances down at her hand. “Aunt Freya is sleeping in Paloma’s old room. Mary Jane said Paloma is now sleeping in your suite. Is that true?”

I release a breath. “Yes.”

“You said you wouldn’t have sex with her.” She lifts her gaze, and she looks like a sad puppy.

“I said it would be better if I didn’t.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t think this is something I need to discuss with you.”

“I know. But do you love her?” She pouts.

“It’s complicated.” What I feel for Paloma is hard to explain, even to myself. I feel protective of her. When I think about losing her, I get this inexplicable urge to burn the world to the ground. “She’s my wife.”

“But you didn’t want to marry her.” She sighs.

“Gardenia.”

“I know.” She puts up her hands in surrender. “I’m over it. I promise. What do you need help with?”

“Come here.” I close the space between us and pull her into a bear hug. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She buries her face in my chest and sobs a few times. She pulls away first, wiping her cheeks. “What’s this job you need me for?”

“I bugged the Senator’s hospital suite so I could give Paloma privacy with her dad,” I confess. “I need to know what they said.”

“Wow, husband of the year.” She laughs. “Well, if you did it right, it should be already compiled on your computer. Let’s take a look.” She ambles around the desk and plops herself on my chair.

“What is all the commotion in here?” Fisher enters my study looking a bit disoriented.

Seconds later, Jacob follows behind. “Are we having a team meeting?”

I chuckle. “It’s good to see you both.” I hug Fisher then Jacob. “How was the trip?”

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