Page 128 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“You would think they’re a couple, huh?” Archer wraps his arm around my waist. “They’re not.”

“Why not? They seem well-suited.” I laugh when Gardenia rushes past, chasing after Jacob.

“She never got over Dad.” Archer shrugs. “But I think if she did, she would definitely start something new with Fisher.”

“How did they meet?” I look up ahead as the sun rays bathe the gardens with a warm light. Spring is almost here. Some trees around us are covered in buds ready to bloom, while others are budding with green leaves. I cut a glance to Archer. “They seem like really old friends.”

“They met in school before Mom and Dad were married. After they graduated, Mom joined a ballet company. Fisher joined the Marines.” Archer pauses to look at me.

“The Marines? Like black ops stuff?” I ask.

“He never talks about it.” He shoots a peek at his mom and Fisher up ahead. “They didn’t reconnect until Dad called him a few days before he was killed. I think Dad had a feeling things were not going to go his way.”

“Oh Archer. I’m so sorry.” I hug him. “So did Fisher just move to the UK with you?”

“Yes. He quit the Marines and helped us get out. Years later, Gardenia’s mom showed up at our doorstep, saying she could no longer take care of her daughter. Fisher was shocked to find out he was a dad.” Archer lets out a laugh. “I was fifteen at the time. Gardenia was five and a total terror.” He points at Gardenia who’s chasing Jacob with a stick. “Picture that, but much shorter.”

“She’s funny.” I giggle. “I envy her sense of freedom.”

He puffs out a breath. “I hope by now you understand you’re not a prisoner here.”

“I know.” I wrap my arm around his waist. “What about Jacob? How did you meet him?”

“I met Jacob through Chuck.”

“My brother?” I stop to face him. “Jacob doesn’t seem like the type my brother would hang out with.”

“They weren’t friends. Chuck liked to terrorize Jacob for being poor. He didn’t think Jacob deserved to be at Oxford. Full ride or not.” Archer’s jaw clenches.

“Yeah, that sounds like Chuck.” I purse my lips. “Dad blames Chuck’s lack of judgment on losing his mom when he was so young.”

“We all make our own choices, Paloma,” he says through gritted teeth. And I wonder how Chuck and Archer ever became friends.

“Anyway, one day, I invited Jacob over to the house to apologize for Chuck’s behavior. After that, we became close friends.” He peers at the gardens and all the happy faces. “Over the years, we became the family you see now.”

“I’m glad you have them.” I rest my head on his chest.

“You’re one of us now.” He holds me tight, meeting my gaze. “You’re safe here. We protect our own.”

“Paloma,” Gardenia calls out. “Come with us. We’re going to show Aunt Freya where you fell in the frozen pond.”

“Oh my God.” I press a hand to my forehead, my cheeks hot. “Do we have to?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fun. Come on.” She waves us over.

“Okay.” I smile at Archer. “I need a coat though. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll come with you.” He makes to walk with me.

“No. Stay.” I gesture toward his mom and the others. “I’ll be right back.” I stand on my tippy toes and kiss him. Before I can pull away, he wraps his arms around my waist and deepens the kiss. By the time he releases me, I’m a puddle of want.

“Go on then.” A smirk pulls at his lips.

“Yeah.” I turn to leave.

“Hey, you’re going the wrong way,” Gardenia yells after me.

“Two minutes.” I put up two fingers and dart back to the house.

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