Page 158 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“I still can’t believe I’m here again. I thought your family had returned to the UK.” I grip the handle to steady myself as the golf cart wheels bump over everything on the narrow garden path.

“We stayed in the city. We only came back to Bedford a week ago.” He takes my hand and kisses it. “I suppose it’s better if I tell you now.”

“What is it?” My heart beats fast in anticipation.

“My family didn’t want me doing this tonight. They thought it was too risky. So just brace yourself.” He stops the golf cart near the kitchen door, then climbs out.

“They’re going to be mad.” I let him help me off my seat.

“Yes. They got used to calling the shots while I was convalescing. But they need to understand that I’m back. And I’m the only who decides how much I’m willing to risk for my wife.” He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me closer to him.

“I thought Gardenia was trying to annul our marriage.” I glance up at him.

“She wasn’t.” He takes in a breath. “She was just trying to buy me some time. My recovery wasn’t easy.”

“I can’t even imagine what you went through.” I hug him. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

“Hey.” He places a finger under my chin to make me look at him. “None of this was your fault. And I’m only sorry you had to live with a lie all these months. I was furious when I woke up to the news that everyone, including my wife, thought I was dead.”

“I understand why they did it.” I glance down at my hands for a beat. “Dad let me out of the cellar after he heard the news.”

“He locked you up?” He grits his teeth.

“He’s not right.” My eyes fill with tears.

“You don’t have to worry about him anymore. I promise.” He kisses me gently.

“I trust you.” I let him usher me into the kitchen.

At this hour, the kitchen is buzzing with activity. They all stop to look at Archer and me, but besides that, the staff doesn’t comment on my presence here. Are they also mad that Archer risked his life tonight to save me?

“We’ll take dinner in our suite tonight, Mary Jane.” Archer nods at the rest of the crew.

“Of course, sir. Right away.” Mary Jane gives everyone a stern look, as if saying get back to work.

The chaos resumes, and Archer escorts me out with a big smile on his face. “That wasn’t too bad.” He walks behind me, kissing my neck. “Why did he lock you up? What happened?”

“I called him a murderer.” I turn to look at him. “Archer, I told him who you are. He was so mad he locked me up.”

He growls. “I never should’ve considered the idea of forgiving him. Your father is beyond redemption.”

“I know that now.” I glance down at the floor, then meet his gaze. “What happens now? He won’t react kindly to what we did tonight.”

“He already knows.” Gardenia is in the foyer with her arms crossed over her chest. I’ve seen her be mad at everyone, but her facial expression right now is something new. “Seems getting shot at makes people suicidal.”

“Gardenia, enough,” Fisher says from the living room.

Freya and Jacob are next to him, looking at us like we just eloped or something.

“No, Dad. She has to know how bad this is. Tristan almost died because of her. And now he’s risking his life again. And not just his. This little stunt of theirs will affect all of us.” She puffs out a breath. “Now the Senator knows we’re here, it will take him all of two seconds to realize Tristan is alive.”

“It’s why we must leave tonight.” Freya joins the group.

“I second that.” Jacob stuffs his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “I don’t even need to pack; we can just walk out right now.”

“You’re all more than welcome to leave. I told you before. I’m done running. And I’m sure as hell done hiding too.” Archer looks at me, his eyes searching my face. “One way or another, my business with your father has to end.”

“I understand.” I nod. “But Archer.” I stop to inhale and remember that Archer isn’t his real name. “Tristan,” I correct. When he beams at me, I continue, “Dad won’t stop until you’re really dead.”

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