Page 21 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

But for Dad, I have to try. Even if I burn in the process.

CHAPTER6

WE’RE NOT FRIENDS. NOR LOVERS. WE’RE STRANGERS

Paloma

I hug my gym bag to my side, balancing my notebook on it while my pen hovers over an empty page. Usually, while on my eighty-minute commute into the city, I take the time to journal or catch up with Dad’s driver, Nico, and his family. Today he’s quiet, and I have a good idea why.

“How’s Lucy doing? Did she turn in her science project?” I ask.

“She did.” Nico meets my gaze in the rearview mirror. “She was grateful for the paint cans you sent.”

“Oh good. It looked like a fun project. I remember doing a similar display of the planets when I was her age. It was Sole’s idea to use cotton dipped in paint to show the gas surface of Uranus. Or was it Saturn?”

“I’m not sure either.” He nods once.

I ask more questions about his wife Mary and their youngest Emmie. But he responds with the same lack of enthusiasm, as if he doesn’t want to be my friend anymore. He’s been working for Dad since I was four. He was so young then. My first day of pre-school, I was so nervous, I didn’t want to go into my classroom. Until he shared with me that it was his first day too, and he was also nervous to be our driver. He even shared his secret with me. He’d never driven a limo before. I laughed so hard. By the time Dad walked me into the classroom, I wasn’t scared anymore.

His secret will always be safe with me. I never told Dad or anyone else.

“You’re still mad at me.” I release a breath.

“Of course not, Miss.” He shakes his head.

“Miss?” I throw my arms in the air. “You’re not mad. You’re pissed at me. I told you it was homework.”

“You put yourself in danger,” he deadpans.

“Paul was with me the whole time,” I retort.

“Here we are.” He pulls over and comes to a smooth stop in front of the Performing Arts Centre.”

“I’ll see you tonight.” I hoist my gym bag over my shoulder.

“I have instructions to wait for you here. And take you straight home.” He shifts his weight to look at me. “No more side quests. The Senator insists.”

I open my mouth to explain how ridiculous it is for Dad and him to be this protective. At twenty-five, I should be able to come and go as I please. Especially if my so-called side quest is to improve my ballet performance. But I’ve known Nico long enough to know that he will always side with Dad when it comes to my safety, something he takes very seriously.

“I’m not a child anymore,” I still say.

“You’re the daughter of an influential man. His enemies might see you as a weakness. Kidnapping?—”

“Please don’t go there. You scare me when you talk like that.” I put up my hand. “I swear you sound just like Dad.”

I make to leave but then pause. At the party, Archer insinuated he had met me somewhere else, but Dad quickly killed that idea. I was sure Dad believed me over Archer that night. But I guess he didn’t. “Did you tell him about last week?”

“I didn’t have to. He already knew.” Nico shrugs.

“No, he didn’t know.” I roll my eyes. “I swear you fall for it every time. He was suspicious. But he didn’t know for sure. Until you confirmed it.”

“I’m glad. There are secrets, and then, there are secrets. Your safety is first.” He offers me a fatherly smile.

“There’s no use arguing with you. Is there?” I bite my lip.

“Nope.” He gestures toward the side entrance to the building.

“I’ll see you tonight.” I wave goodbye.

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