Page 20 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

I don’t miss the sadness in my voice. Because who wouldn’t want a man like Archer. But Chuck said it himself. Archer already has all the women he wants. And I would never do anything to hurt Chuck. He obviously cares about Archer and their friendship.

“I meant lust,” he corrects his statement. “Just stay away from him.”

“I will. I promise.” I pull the covers over him and rise to my feet.

Before I turn to leave, he grabs my wrist. “Hey, how much do you love me?”

“A lot. You know that.” I free my hand.

“I love you too, little sister.” He opens both eyes. “Any chance you can spot me for tonight?”

“Again? I gave you ten thousand last week.” I shake my head. “Tell me you paid your debt with it.”

“I did.” He rolls his eyes. “Dad cut me off and now I can’t even play cards with my friends.”

Dad didn’t cut him off. He just doesn’t have money to throw away anymore. And Dad’s debts are not the kind that can be easily paid off. I would have to con a thousand men to save him.

The thought pops into my head, and before I consider the consequences, the words spill out of my mouth. “Dad invited Archer to your birthday party.”

“My birthday party? Please. Call it what it is. Another fundraiser for the illustrious senator.” He places his arm over his eyes. “He just wants to shake another million out of Archer. He’s pathetic.”

“Another million?” My voice goes up a few octaves. “What does he do for a living?”

“Real estate. He’s in New York to acquire a few hotels. I don’t know for sure. The guy just does whatever he wants. He has more money than you can imagine. He’s so lucky.” Chuck shakes his head at the ceiling before he turns to me again. “Hey, so how about it? Can you spot your brother who loves you so much?” He pokes my ribs. “I saw you last night. Don’t play innocent with me.”

For a moment my heart races. He saw me? With Archer? In my room? I swallow as the panic settles in my chest. For one, Dad would kill me if he finds out I had a man in my room. And worse, that I made out with him. But Chuck can’t be referring to that.

Jesus, calm down, Paloma.

“What did you see?” I ask.

“That you’re back to your little klepto ways.” He pokes me again “Come on hook me up and I won’t tell Dad. It’ll be like old times. I’ll find the buyer and we split the profits.”

“That only happened once.” I raise my eyebrow. The problem with siblings is that they know all your dirty little secrets. Like this incredible rush I get when I take from men who are total assholes. I like seeing their faces when they realize they have lost something precious.

The irony is not lost on me. Now I know exactly how it feels.

“Fine. Wait here.” I amble to his dresser and reach way in the back until I touch the metal. I grab the Rolex and toss it on the bed. “Keep the money.”

“You hid it here?” He laughs. “I should’ve known. God, I miss you.” He sits up and kisses my hand. “Thank you.”

“Promise me you’ll be good at your birthday party,” I beg him.

“I promise. Archer will be here to keep me in check. You have nothing to worry about.” He presses his lips to my hand again.

“Do you really think he can help Dad?” I ask, hoping he asks if I mean with the campaign or his other financial problems. I want to share the burden with him, but what can he do to help?

“If Archer wanted to, he could buy Dad two senate seats.” He puts up two fingers. “But Archer won’t do it. He’s my friend. He won’t do it unless I ask him to.”

Right. What would happen if I asked?

I know for a fact Archer can be a generous person. Would he help Dad for me? I only have one thing I can offer. Would that be enough? No, that’s crazy. Who in their right mind would pay five million dollars to be with me. Ten thousand was already too much.

No, that’s not the solution here. But if Archer is as good as Chuck says, maybe he can help me find the diamond. Archer and I are far from being friends. If anything, he scares me. And it’s not just because I seem to lose my mind when I’m around him. It’s him. The energy about him is both dangerous and intoxicating.

Like a moth to the flame that can’t resist the light even though it knows the fire destroys.

That’s what I feel like when he’s near me.

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