Page 143 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

He’s not wrong. I hate that he knows me so well. But the thing is, Tristan needs our help. While he can be terrifying and all-powerful, he’s dying right now. He’s vulnerable in a way I never thought possible. The Senator can send anyone right now to finish the job. With Tristan out of the way, Freya, and even Dad, Jacob and me, are next just for being in his circle of trust. I can’t let that asshole hurt my family.

But Jacob doesn’t get it. He thinks I’m just jealous of Paloma. And yeah maybe, but that’s beside the point. It’s up to us to keep Tristan safe while he’s convalescing. That’s assuming he survives. Tears pool in my eyes. I take a sip of the scalding coffee, and I don’t even care that it burns me or that it tastes like shit. The bitter taste is better than the sadness threatening to swallow me whole.

Two hours later, Aunt Freya and Dad show up. As expected, she’s destroyed by the news. I shoot to my feet and rush to hug her.

“You should’ve called the minute it happened,” she admonishes me, then gasps at the state of my top and jeans. “What happened to you?”

“This isn’t mine.” My eyes water. “I’m so sorry we didn’t call. It was horrible. I saw them leaving the house, Tristan and Paloma. I could tell Tristan was beyond scared for her. But of course, they couldn’t just get in the car and drive. Instead, they decided that making out was a perfect idea.” I rub the side of my face. “Hunter came out. I stood there, smiling because I thought Tristan was going to give him another beating. But then, he took out a gun and shot at them.”

“Is Paloma hurt?” Aunt Freya places a hand over her mouth. “Where is she?”

“No, she’s not hurt.” I inhale to ease the pain in my chest. “Tristan took the bullet for her. After he fell to the ground, she went back inside with her ex-boyfriend.”

Aunt Freya shoots Jacob a look as if she can’t believe Paloma would go anywhere with Hunter, as if I left her behind on purpose. Jacob understands her meaning and immediately corrects me. “She didn’t go willingly. But we couldn’t go back for her. Tristan needed immediate help. He’s our priority.”

“Exactly. She’s with her family.” I brace my hands on my hips.

“That man isn’t right, Gardenia,” Dad says. “Even if he’s family to her, he’s dangerous.”

“Dad, there was nothing we could do. The guy had a gun.” I glare at him. “It’s not like I let him take her. I had no choice.”

“They know that.” Jacob puts up his hands. “It’s not your fault she’s not here. Okay?”

It kind of is my fault. I had time to step in and help Paloma. Between the two of us, we might’ve been able to take the gun away from Hunter. Or at least, distract him long enough for Jacob to come to our aid, and maybe, hit him with his van.

“What’s done is done.” Dad puts his arm around me. “We’ll think of something once Tristan is out of surgery.”

“She’s going to tell him, Dad.” I turn to face him. “If Tristan told Paloma who he really is, she’s going to tell her dad. Or maybe he already knows. Why else tell Hunter to shoot him dead?”

“Maybe he was just jealous.” Jacob rubs the back of his head. “I mean, he was the very official boyfriend until Tristan cut in.”

“But what if he was following the Senator’s orders?” I ask.

“I know.” Dad nods, meeting Aunt’s Freya’s gaze. “We have to assume the Senator knows. We have to assume he’s coming for you.”

“I understand.” Aunt Freya hugs herself. “I’m taking my son back to the UK. I don’t want him spending another day here. I knew his coming here was a mistake.” She blinks and fat tears stream down her face.

“So what do we do?” Jacob folds his arms over his chest.

“Tristan will hate the idea of going into hiding again.” Dad rubs the creases on his forehead. “But what choice do we have when he can’t decide for himself?”

“Or fight back for that matter.” I wipe my cheek, trying not to picture Tristan somewhere in this hospital unconscious and fighting for his life.

Jacob looks to me. I hate that he knows me so well, that he knows I already have a plan worked out. But I can’t take full credit for it. Tristan and I discussed it months ago after an argument he had with Aunt Freya. She knew his trip here could only end in two ways—with him dead. Or the Senator dead. But Tristan is so stubborn, he couldn’t fathom an outcome where his perfectly orchestrated plan of revenge didn’t end with the Senator losing it all. Just like Tristan wanted.

And now here we are. Tristan is the one about to lose it all—his life, his wife, his family. We must leave tonight—preferably before the Senator has time to figure out Archer is Tristan Sallows, that his enemy’s son is here for his pound of flesh.

“What’s the plan, Gardenia?” Jacob cocks his head, studying my features like some sort of human lie detector.

I glance behind him and spot Donata by the door. “She’s here.” I rush to meet her. “How is he?”

“He lost a lot of blood, as you know.” She looks exhausted and worried. “We’re doing everything we can. But we need more blood.”

“Take mine.” Aunt Freya steps in, wiping her cheeks. “Take all of it, if you must.”

“Thank you.” Donata smiles.

“She’s Archer’s mom,” I say. “She’s a match.”

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