Page 38 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

Fisher joins me by the mirror. “There’s a man who loves his daughter. Do you believe me now?”

“He’s sitting there doing the math, Fisher.” I glare at him.

“Yes, who wouldn’t be tempted when there’s so much money on the line, his reputation, hell, his entire livelihood.” He points at the Senator, who looks like he’s aged ten years since he arrived.

Agony drips from every pore on his face. A man of his stature could re-invent himself and come up with a million other ways to climb out of the hole he dug for himself. But the thing about the Senator is that he has never worked a day in his life. If he learned anything from Dad, he wouldn’t be in this position, losing someone he loves dearly.

“You don’t believe in my methods anymore.” I meet Fisher’s gaze.

“For thirteen years, I’ve watched this thirst for revenge grow inside you.” He points at my chest straight at my heart. “Do you remember that day when you first came to me talking about plans for revenge?”

“Yeah, it was the night after I got drunk with Santino and he told me revenge was possible.” I stuff my hands in the pockets of my trousers. That night I felt like I could breathe again. “Santino gave me a purpose.”

“You were so determined to face the Senator yourself. But what did I say to you?”

“You chase monsters, eventually you become one.” That mantra is etched into my mind.

“How can you not?” he asks.

“Because if you don’t.” I bark out a dark laugh. “The monsters eat you alive. Are you saying I’ve become one?” I study the Senator’s posture through the glass. I got him. After all this time, the monster under my bed is exactly where I want him, in pain and alone.

“I’m saying you can still save yourself.” Fisher swallows. “This curse is consuming you from the inside out. He’s defeated. You’re the victor. Let him go.”

“Forgive his debt?” I ask. “And let him walk away free to do it all over again?”

“What if he chooses to walk away? What if he decides he loves his daughter more.” Fisher lifts his chin.

“You’re betting on him.” I furrow my brows.

“I’m betting on a father’s broken heart.” He presses his lips into a sad smile.

Does Fisher see himself in the Senator’s shoes? They’re not remotely the same. Fisher loves Gardenia. And he would do anything in his power to never get to this point where his daughter’s soul is the only thing that can save him.

“Okay.” I pace the length of the room. “Okay. He’s here.” I point at the mirror. “If he refuses to use Paloma as leverage and walks away, I will pay off his debt.”

“You’d do that?” Fisher’s head snaps up at me. “He’s your father’s killer. You said you would never let him see a single dime of your money.” He surveys my face. “You’re not a monster, Tristan.”

“I’m trying to prove to you that we’re all monsters.” I swallow the bitter taste in my mouth. “Push the right buttons. Poke the right pressure points. We all lash out like wild beasts.”

“I’ll take your bet.” Fisher steps toward me. “If he chooses his daughter, you walk away and forget about revenge. If he doesn’t, I’m at your disposal until the end.”

“Deal.” I take out my phone and type a message.

Me: put him out of his misery

Santino: already? You’re not enjoying the show?

Me: he’s pathetic

I drop the device back in my pocket and wait for Santino to find the angle, the right words to deliver his final blow. Is it possible to let go of my hate? I’m willing to find out. Is Fisher right? Has the Senator found redemption in his daughter’s love.

“Would an auction yield the best results?” The Senator asks. “I’ve heard of such things. A virgin is a hot commodity.”

Like I said, we’re all monsters.

“You’ve made the desired choice, Senator.” Santino saunters back to the bar and retrieves a black folder with the contract.

The terms, as Santino put it, are standard. The agreement stipulates that Paloma Honor Davis will be auctioned to be sold to the highest bidder. She agrees to six months with the buyer, to live in his house, and be his mistress. He also included a few clauses that enumerate what she would be expected to do in the bedroom. None of it negotiable.

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