Page 25 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

Heat flushes my cheeks. How odd that I don’t remember the last time Hunter kissed me. He’s so afraid of what Dad may think that most of the time, he doesn’t even like holding my hand. Not Archer. He didn’t care what the Senator thought of him. My gaze drops to his lips.

He doesn’t kiss me. Instead, he hands me my phone again and the pair of leggings I wore this morning.

“Thanks.” I collect the rest of the stuff and zip up the gym bag. I make to leave but then stop. “Archer.”

He doesn’t move. He just meets my gaze, expectantly as if he barely knows me, as if he didn’t have his fingers on my sex a few nights ago. Why does that night feel like it happened so long ago?

“Ms. Davis?” he asks, letting my last name linger between us.

I get it. We’re not friends. Nor lovers. We’re strangers. “My father needs….”

“Is the Senator okay?” He steps toward me, prompting me to continue.

“My brother tells me you are the generous type.” I swallow, feeling so awkward begging a stranger for money in the middle of the hallway where I work. But it’s now or never. “I need your help. We’re in deep trouble. And I think.” I glance down at my hands for a beat before I lift my gaze again to meet his. “I know you can help.”

“What makes you know that?” He arches a brow. “I’m sorry if you’re under the impression that I’m running a charity. Your father has received all I’m willing to give to his cause.”

“I understand.” I step back and hit the exit door. “I was hoping we could come to an arrangement.” My heart thrashes in my ears.

“I’m sure someone of your social status has plenty to sell if you’re strapped for cash.” He smirks as if he knows something I don’t.

“We did. A diamond worth millions. Enough to save Dad.” Tears brim my eyes. I’m leaving it all at Archer’s feet. He can tear me down or help me up. I swallow. “I lost it. It’s my fault. I was supposed to showcase it during the party. But then I don’t know where it went.”

“I see.” He rubs the side of his face, studying me intently, the way one would study a chess board. He’s not making this easy. Why would he? “So, you have nothing else?”

“Only me.” I feel lighter. Because that was the end of it. The humiliation of asking him for money, offering myself, is complete. “You paid once.”

He chuckles. “I’m not exactly what you can consider a satisfied customer.” He reaches inside the pocket of his suit jacket and retrieves a black card. “But I can refer you to someone who can help.”

“What?” My heart deflates because I have to admit, I assumed he would be the one to pay for me. “Okay.” I take the card he offers.

“Show him that. He’ll be expecting you.” He leans forward until our noses almost touch then pushes the door open. “Good night, Ms. Davis.”

CHAPTER7

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING, ISN’T IT?

Archer

I watch the swelling blue dot on my screen. It’s been sitting over the Performance Arts Centre since six this morning. For the past month, I have been monitoring Paloma’s every move, thanks to Gardenia’s phone hack. Paloma Honor Davis went from mystery woman to my enemy. I now know everything there is to know about her. What she eats, mostly green apples and diet soda. Where she spends most of her time, at the theatre. Who she spends time with, no one. The Senator keeps her tucked away in his mansion. She leaves early in the morning escorted by Nico, and doesn’t return until nighttime, again, escorted by Nico. Even her so-called boyfriend hasn’t shown up.

My stomach tightens at the thought of the two of them together. I hate the idea that he can have her any time he wants. But not for long. I swallow the bitter taste in my mouth knowing that soon, I won’t have her either. Because even after Paloma agrees to Santino’s terms, she still won’t be mine. Not in the way I once thought of her. Gardenia calls it my night of insanity. And it was exactly that. My desire for Paloma was pure insanity. But that is over. The plan has to move forward.

My gaze lifts and settles on the floor-to-ceiling windows of my New York office, and the city below me. The sun sits low on the horizon. I finished the work I wanted to get done for today. But I wasn’t ready to head back to Bedford. Not until Paloma does what she was supposed to have done a month ago. She seemed so desperate when she asked for my help. And now she’s dragging her feet. Santino and Rex have everything lined up for me. All we need now is her.

A notification catches my eye. It’s a text from Gardenia.

Gardenia: earpiece?

Me: why?

Gardenia: I have news. Phone not safe

I shake my head as a smile pulls at my lips. I go to type an answer but then decide talking to the team would be faster. Opening the desk drawer, I take the small device and shove it in my ear. As soon as the connection is established, a beep dings in my ear.

“I hate it when you go offline.” Gardenia’s voice filters through.

“I needed a break.” I sit back on my chair.

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