Page 123 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“And we know for sure nothing has moved out of there since it arrived?” I brace my hands on my knees and turn to look at them. “We only get one shot at this.”

“Positive.” Gardenia beams at me. “This will be a cake walk. We can definitely do it tonight.” She clicks on a few things on the laptop, then points. “The beach is our way in. And guess who’s letting us use his house for staging?”

“Jesus, Gardenia.” I run a hand through my hair. By the excited, lovesick look on her face, I can only guess she called Santino again. “Tell me you didn’t call Santino.”

She glances up at Jacob. “We didn’t call Santino.”

“Except we did.” Jacob shrugs. “You said you wanted this done fast. Calling in the mob is the fastest way to get anything done.”

“And since you’ve been shacked up for days upstairs. We had to make some executive decisions down here.” Gardenia sits back folding her arms over her chest. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

Fuck. She’s not wrong.

I’ve been so preoccupied with Paloma, I didn’t have time at all to think about a plan to get my family paintings back. Luckily, Gardenia and Jacob figured it out on their own.

“Fine. What’s one more favor owed to the mob.” I rise to my feet. “We’ll leave right after dinner. Before then, let’s get some rest. Yeah?”

“You got it, boss.” Jacob dips his head.

“Let me guess, you’re going back upstairs?” Gardenia rolls her eyes at me.

“Yes, I am. I need to make sure Paloma is not spiraling over this.” I brace my hands on my hips. “The Senator has an odd influence over her. You heard how he treats her. And how she copes with it. It’s not normal.”

“Right.” Gardenia lowers her gaze. “Go talk to her. We’ll work on getting our gear together.”

“Thank you.” I smile at her.

“Tristan.” Mom stands and rushes to me, wrapping her arms around my waist. “Be careful.”

“I will, Mom.” I kiss the top of her head, then leave.

“Wait. Before you leave.” Gardenia ambles toward us. “At least give Aunt Freya one piece of good news.” She beams at me. When I give her a puzzled look, she adds, “The pink lady?”

“Jesus, I completely forgot about that.” I stride to the safe in the credenza behind my desk and retrieve the necklace with the pink diamond pendant.

Mom’s eyes fill up with tears the minute I place the diamond in her hand. “Everything else is gone. But at least, we were able to recover this.”

“Tristan.” She sobs, placing her hand to her mouth. “I never thought I’d see my engagement ring again. Thank you.”

“We’ll have to reset it.” I hug her.

She nods. And wraps her arms around my waist. Stealing the diamond is not going to get Dad back. But it will at least be a reminder that no matter what we still have each other. We still have small pieces of our old life. Hard as he may try, the Senator will never be like Dad. He can’t have his parents, or his wife.

With heavy steps, I climb the stairs to the top floor. I’m not sure what I’m going to find in my suite. Mainly, my biggest fear is that Paloma will ask me to stay away from her again. One night of not touching her was torture. I don’t think I can survive another.

I push the door open slowly and scan the room quickly. Relief washes over me when I don’t see a packed suitcase under the bed—or any other indication that Paloma is determined to leave me. I amble to the bed, then spot her out on the terrace, lost in thought.

“Are you okay?” I ask, stepping out to join her on the veranda.

“I think so.” She turns to me with fear in her eyes. “Are you going to send me away?”

“No.” I cup her face. “Why would you think that?”

“Because.” She swallows. “There’s a chance we’re half-siblings.”

“There iszerochance we’re related. Please take that notion out of your head right now. I don’t know why the Senator lied about who your mother is, but I’m going to find out. I promise.” I wrap my arms around her and sigh in relief when she doesn’t push me away.

“I don’t care, you know.” She glances up at me. “I never want to leave your side. Even if it’s wrong. I don’t care.”

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