Page 32 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“I can’t gorge myself right after my performance.” I laugh. “I’ll get sick.”

“It’ll be good to get out and be seen.” He dips his head, and his lips brush the corner of my lips. “How is the Senator doing? He’s lost weight. Have you noticed?”

I have noticed. Dad’s financial problems are finally taking a toll on him. I hate seeing him like that. The only reason I haven’t gone to Archer’s friend to ask for money is because I didn’t want Dad to suffer that kind of embarrassment. It would kill him if he found out I asked a stranger for money. Technically, I already did such a thing. But Archer is Chuck’s friend, and Dad was already thinking of asking him for another donation. In fact, that’s the reason why he invited Archer tonight.

These past few months, I buried myself in work, hoping a miracle would happen. That I would either find my mother’s heirloom by tonight or that Archer would reconsider and give us the money we need.

There was still time. Dad said he had it all under control. I tried to tell him last week that the diamond was gone. Well, tried is a strong word. I started to, but didn’t quite get to that part. At any rate, Dad sounded confident that after tonight, all our problems would be solved. I’m certain he’s counting on Archer’s generosity. Or maybe he meant Hunter.

“Dad’s had a rough time at work. Did he mention it to you?” I ask.

“No, not at all. What’s going on?” He touches his fingers to my cheek.

“Dad has some investments he needs to finalize. I figure he would come to you.” I shrug as if these investments are not a big deal.

“He wouldn’t ask me. He knows all my money is tied up.” He kisses my forehead and takes a slow half turn in sync with the music.

“Right.” I force a smile and look up.

Again, I find Archer glaring at me. My heart thumps hard and fast as he takes his girlfriend’s hand and makes his way over to us. I glance down and focus on Hunter’s chest. If I ignore him, maybe he’ll go away.

“You must be Hunter.” Archer’s deep voice washes over me like warm honey.

“Mr. Archer.” Hunter steps to the side to face the couple. “I meant to introduce myself earlier, but you were busy. Chuck has told me all about you.” He offers Archer his hand.

“Pleasure to meet you.” He smiles with tight lips and a clenched jaw.

I follow his line of sight to Hunter’s fingers wrapped tightly around my upper arm. I do my best not to roll my eyes. Hunter can be so petty sometimes. I make to free myself, but he keeps his grip steady.

“Hunter.” Archer’s voice makes my gaze snap up to him. “Let me introduce you to a good friend. Gardenia Salas.” He gently places his hand on her back and gestures toward me. “And this is the famous Paloma Davis.”

“Nice to meet you.” Gardenia beams at us and shakes my hand then Hunter’s. “I love your home. The buffet is perfection. And don’t get me started on the martini ice sculpture.”

Archer chuckles with so much love in his eyes, I feel like puking.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying the party,” I say, and it’s all I can do to bottle the ugly feelings swirling in my belly.

“Hunter,” Archer says again. Why does he keep saying his name? “Would it be possible to have a dance with your lovely fiancée?”

At the mention of the word fiancée, Hunter’s chest puffs up a little, even though he knows we’re not engaged. He likes the idea of everyone here thinking he owns me. “Of course.”

“Oh fun. Let’s swap.” Gardenia waits for Archer to cut in between me and Hunter before she steps in.

The moment I’m in Archer’s arms again, I’m floating. And I’m painfully aware of the ribbons of desire inching toward my sex.

“Why did you come over to us?” I ask. “I didn’t invite you.”

“You were staring.” A smirk pulls at his lips. “I assumed.”

“You assumed wrong.” I glance away.

“You look beautiful tonight.” He cocks his head to meet my gaze. “I didn’t have a chance to say that earlier.”

“Thanks.” My cheeks burn hot, and I melt a little in his arms. “Why are you here?” I ask, hoping he would utter the words that can save my father.

“I’m here to celebrate your brother’s thirty-second birthday.” He increases the pressure on my fingers and expertly guides me into two turns then brings me back into his embrace.

Without meaning to, I laugh, feeling silly that something as trivial as dancing with Archer would make me feel giddy.

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