Page 134 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

That’s assuming Freya is telling the truth. I grip the steering wheel tight. I let my head fall on my knuckles as tears stream down my cheeks. My options are so fucked up. I’m either Archer’s half-sibling or my father has been lying to me all my life. And if he could lie so easily and for so long, what else is he capable of?

The thought lingers at the forefront of my mind, and slowly a black void opens in the middle of my chest. No, I’m not ready to go there. I need to solve the mystery of Freya’s portrait before I let myself go down this insane rabbit hole. Shaking my head, I lift my gaze and focus on the valet drivers and all the activity outside the house. There must be over a hundred guests here tonight.

I wipe my cheeks then climb out of the car. I consider whether I should bring Freya’s phone. Other than Dad or Archer, I have no one else I want to talk to. Dad is here. And Archer won’t be home until morning.

After dinner earlier today, he said he had to drive into the city and get some work done that apparently had to be finished in the middle of the night. Archer’s excuse for leaving was weak at best. But I chose not to press the issue because something in his eyes told me he wanted to tell me why he couldn’t stay with me.

Even if Archer and I didn’t sleep in the same room since the beginning, we haven’t been apart since we got married. It hurt to say goodbye. But as soon as he left, I was able to think clearly again. I sat with Freya and Fisher in Archer’s study. By the time I had finished my after-dinner cocktail, I had a solid plan to see Dad again. I was able to simply walk to the garage, pick a car, and drive off. I drove a good fifty miles toward the city before I realized no one was coming to stop me. Archer meant it when he said I wasn’t his prisoner.

I make to grab Freya’s phone, when a hand clamps over my mouth. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

My heart rate immediately spikes at the sound of Chuck’s angry voice. I struggle to get away from him, but he holds me tighter to his body. Why should he care if I’m here or not? He can’t possibly still be mad at me for stealing Archer from him. By now, he should know I had nothing to do with Archer’s decision to marry me. Dad is the reason I had to marry the winner of the auction.

“I came to see Dad. Why are you here?” I’m sure he couldn’t make out my muffled words, but he lets go of me anyway. “Is Dad here? I need to talk to him?”

“He is. But Paloma, you shouldn’t be here. Especially not dressed like that.” His gaze roams up and down my body.

“I didn’t know there was a party here tonight.” I point to all the limos parked on the narrow street. “Shouldn’t Dad be resting?”

“It’s been on the books for a while. Dad couldn’t cancel. It’s election year, near death isn’t an excuse to leave your donors hanging.” He chuckles at his own joke.

“Can you take me to him?” I ask.

“Hmm.” He rubs the back of his neck, shooting a glance toward the house as if he is considering his options. What’s the big deal? Why can’t I go into my own house? After a long pause, he releases a breath. “Fine. I can get you in. But after that, you’re on your own. I mean, you’ve been playing Archer’s whore for months now. All this should be familiar to you.”

“Stop saying that. Archer is my husband.” I purse my lips to keep from saying more. Chuck is my way in. I can’t stand here and antagonize him. “You should come by the house and see us sometime.”

“Does he want to see me?” He looks away, visibly hurt by Archer’s apparent betrayal.

“He does.” I smile at him.

“Okay, maybe.” He shrugs. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah.” I smooth out my sweater. “Lead the way.”

He grips my upper arm and ushers me down the street. As we near the front door, the valet drivers stop to look at us. They seem to recognize Chuck, but not me. He takes long strides up the driveway. I have to practically run to keep up with him.

“Mr. Davis, welcome back.” The security guard at the door dips his head, then turns to me.

“Don’t you know who this is?” Chuck asks in an impatient tone, still gripping my upper arm. “This is the Swan Queen. She’s with me.”

“Of course, sir.” The security guard nods and opens the door to let us through.

“Did you have to do that?” I ask once we were in the foyer. “I’m not the Swan Queen anymore.”

“Yes, you are.” He barks out a laugh. “Hey everyone.” He raises his hands to get the crowd’s attention. All the men and women turn slowly to us with expectant eyes. Chuck looks down at me. “The Swan Queen herself has arrived.”

“Wonderful.” The many faces smile at me and clap as the murmurs spread around the room. “The Swan Queen is here.”

“See?” He smirks at me. “You will always be the Swan Queen, little sister. The old man wouldn’t have it any other way. Have you not figured that out yet?”

“What are you talking about?” I glare at him.

“Enjoy the party.” He takes a deep bow, then disappears into the throng, leaving me all alone and confused as hell.

I stand there waiting for Chuck to come back and take me to see Dad, but he’s really gone. After a few beats, my gaze zeroes in on Hunter. My first instinct is to run, but his nose is still in a splint. He would be a real idiot to try something with me again. Archer would do more than break his nose this time.

“Come with me.” He strides toward me. When I don’t make an effort to follow him, he grabs my wrist and pulls me toward the grand staircase. “Don’t be difficult. I’m trying to help you.”

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