Page 28 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“What happened?” Jacob and Fisher ask in unison.

“Nothing.” Gardenia flashes me an innocent smile. “Just making sure the women understand Archer is not here alone. The redhead in the green dress is totally eye-fucking him.”

“Go take care of things.” I cock an eyebrow.

“Fine.” She turns on her heel and disappears in the crowd.

Tonight’s party is smaller than the fundraiser from last month, but there’s still enough people to disqualify this party as the “intimate” affair the Senator promised. I scan the room looking for Santino and Paloma. I see her first. How did I manage to stay away from her for a whole month? I dip my head in her direction, and she blushes.

Fuck. I need a drink. I head to the bar.

Two steps in, Chuck spots me. “Archer. You made it you son of a bitch?” He appears semi-sober.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. How old are you now? Forty?” I hugged him.

“Fuck off. I’m thirty-two. Not an exciting milestone to celebrate but who gives a shit when it’s an election year. Am I right?” He gestures to the room at large and the fresh fir garlands hanging from the chandelier. “The old man knows how to party though. Don’t you just love the holiday season?”

“Yeah, best season of the year.” I catch Paloma staring at me, while hanging from some asshole’s arm. My blood boils, but I manage to reel it in.

“What?” Chuck follows my line of sight. “Oh him.” He rolls his eyes and saunters to the bar. “Two whiskeys. Neat. The good shit. It’s my birthday today.”

“Who’s that?” I ask, casually leaning on the bar though my body is wound tight.

“That, my dear mate.” He shoves a crystal tumbler into my hand. “Is Hunter Du Pont. He’ll tell you he’s a Vanderbilt. But he’s not. He does come from money. Decent fortune of his own. His best skills are that he’s good at losing money to me. And he says yes to whatever Dad says. For some reason my sister loves him. Probably because Dad told her to.”

“He’s a wealth of information that one.” Jacob chuckles. “He makes me want to drink. Be right back. Oh hey. Gardenia. We have eyes.”

“Good. I was about to ask. We should be all set,” she whispers. “Archer, should I come meet you or should I scout the buffet table.”

I bring the glass to my lips as I look away from Chuck. “Fine. You know the rules.”

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t make myself sick.” She smacks her lips. “The martini ice sculpture is back. Like I said. I could get used to this.”

“What should we do?” Chuck clinks my glass. “Tonight is my night.”

I turn to face him as I shuffle through a list of excuses to get rid of him. In the end, I settle on the truth. “I need to speak to the Senator first. We have business.”

“Boring.” He makes a gagging gesture. “Find me when you’re done.” He walks into the crowd in the center of the hall then makes a half turn with his index finger pointing. When it lands on a woman in a tight black dress, he says, “You. Let’s dance.”

The woman rewards him with a sexy laugh then nods.

“Where is he?” I ask into my glass.

“The study to your left,” Fisher answers immediately

I saunter in that direction, determined to tell the Senator the diamond is gone. The fastest way to get the conversation going on that front is to ask to see the necklace in person. When I peek inside the study, the Senator is deep in conversation with Santino. Fuck. Now what? I don’t want the Senator to know Santino and I are friends. Not yet anyway.

“Please don’t.” Paloma grabs my elbow and tugs.

I let her pull me toward a giant nutcracker then behind a service door hidden behind a wooden panel. We’re in the service part of the house now where the walls are bare, and the carpet is worn and cheap. The long corridor smells of pot roast and freshly baked goods.

“Whoa.” She sways as she shuts the door behind her.

“Are you okay?” I reach for her elbow.

“Yeah. The food took me by surprise. It smells delicious.” She peeks around the corner before she turns to me. “You have the winning bid for the necklace. I’m sure you knew that.”

“I was hoping to be the winner.” I smile at her.

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