Page 36 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

The elevator doors slide open accompanied by a gentle chime. I step out and continue straight ahead, while Fisher follows a handful of steps behind. He insists on playing my bodyguard tonight. While I appreciate the second set of eyes to catch anything I miss, I don’t think the extra precautions are needed inside the Crucible.

From what Santino tells me, the security system in this place is top of the line. Rex can’t expect high-profile clientele to frequent his sex club if he can’t guarantee their safety.

“I don’t understand why the meeting has to be here,” Fisher grumbles.

“Discretion.” I glance over my shoulder at him.

“I would feel better if we had eyes and ears.” His gaze darts from person to person around the massive warehouse-style club.

“It’s safe.” I motion toward the couple of few feet from us, who are in the middle of an intense make-out session that’s about to become something more. “These people. They don’t care who we are or why we’re here.”

“If you say so.” He falls back behind me.

I make my way past the bar on my left and head toward the grand staircase that I know leads to the VIP section above. As soon as I approach the bottom of the steps, the bouncer unlinks the red rope and steps aside.

“Mr. Archer.” He dips his head. “Welcome.”

“And guest.” I point at Fisher behind me.

“Of course. Enjoy.” He nods at Fisher politely.

“You’ve been here before?” Fisher asks, not bothering to hide his disapproval of the place.

“Yes, it’s a place to indulge without judgment.” I cock an eyebrow at him.

He makes a gesture that’s something between sorry-I-asked and to-each-his-own. I chuckle and continue up the stairs and to the left to a set of suites where Santino is waiting for us. I want to be in the room with Paloma when she meets with him, but I can’t do that. She can’t know that I’m behind her father’s latest misfortunes. That she’s here offering herself to the highest bidder because of me.

“Archer, you made it.” Santino emerges from one of the suites.

“So I did.” I place my hand on Fisher’s shoulder. “You remember Fisher.”

“Fisher? Good to you see you.” Santino hugs him. “How long has it been, old man?”

“Ten years.” Fisher holds Santino at arm’s length. “You look older. It suits you.”

“I’m glad you approve.” He chuckles, holding the door open. “You’ll be in here.”

I stride into the hotel-style suite. There’s a stocked bar, a bed, and a lounge area facing a huge two-way mirror. The room is done in a cream and soft green palette. Even the floral arrangements match the decor. It’s all done to make guests feel like they’re in a luxury hotel and not in a sex club.

“Is she here?” I ask, even though the last time I checked her tracker she was already in the private garage downstairs. A part of me wants her to walk away from all this and not play into my game. She doesn’t deserve my wrath, or my vengeance. But I’m too far down this rabbit hole. I can’t save her.

“Yes and no.” Santino ambles to the bar and pours three whiskeys. “She’s didn’t come alone.” He offers me a tumbler.

Fisher beats him to it and grabs his own glass.

“The Senator is here with her.” He takes a long swig. “My guess is he wants to negotiate a deal, and he brought her as collateral. You’d be surprised how many fathers walk through that door with willing daughters.”

“Do you always accept their offer?” Fisher asks.

“Only in extraordinary cases like this one. Honestly, that guy is on a path of self-destruction. He’s losing favor with his party, donors are not as generous this election cycle, andhis poker game is shit. She’s better off without him.”

“Maybe he found another way to repay you.” Fisher shrugs. “Maybe he is a good father. I’ve been watching him. He seems like a decent guy.”

“He’s a psychopath, Fisher. Don’t let his charm fool you.” I say through gritted teeth. Fisher of all people knows what the Senator is capable of. A reformed man, a better man, wouldn’t bring his daughter to this place, knowing there’s only one way this whole night ends. I run a hand through my hair. “Just watch how he reacts when he’s backed into a corner. And remember that’s the side of him my father saw before he died.”

“And there he is now.” Santino motions to the mirror where the lights on the other side just came on.

A bouncer ushers him to the sofa and offers him a drink. He orders a gin and tonic and settles in. He’s ready for a fight. And I wish I could be in the room with him. But I’m not ready for him to see my face, to know I’m the one coming for him. His entire life has not unraveled yet. I still have more to take from him.

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