Page 54 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“Bite me.” I head for the fridge to get water to take up to my room.

But in two long strides, he’s next to me, crowding me with his sweaty body. “Don’t tempt me, Little Dove.” His hot breath brushes my cheek.

This close, his musky scent assaults my senses. I grip the refrigerator door handle to keep from throwing myself at him, and playing the fool all over again, like I did on the limo ride here. I’m a puddle of want, while he’s the epitome of self-control.

I open the fridge and take a carafe full of water. Since there are others in there, I decide to take the whole thing with me.

Before I reach the kitchen door, he calls out to me, “Paloma.”

I want to run out, but my body only listens to him. Slowly, I turn to face him.

“You will join me for dinner,” he demands.

“So I can watch you and your girlfriend make eyes at each other.” I press my lips to hide how much it hurts me to think of the two of them together. “I don’t think so. I may live in your house, but I don’t have to do what you say.”

“That is not a request.” He prowls toward me until our noses are an inch apart. “You will dine with me.”

“I’d rather starve.” My legs finally respond and I’m able to leave him behind with what little dignity I have left intact.

As soon as I reach the dining room, I take off running and don’t stop until I’m safe in my room again.

* * *

Later that afternoon,after spending all day locked away in my room, a tall woman with perfectly straight hair, barges into my room with two other assistants, carting four garment racks. They’re beyond excited to be helping the new Mrs. Archer. Before I know it, the bed is covered in winter and spring clothes, ranging from exclusive designers to well-known brands.

“Archer asked me to also include several evening gowns and cocktail dresses.” Susan beams at me. “Why don’t you try this one?” She pulls a beautiful red dress off one of the racks she brought in.

“It’s beautiful.” I run my hands over the silky fabric, and a smile pulls at my lips. The style is very similar to the dress I wore to the hotel bar the night I met Archer. “I can’t accept this. It must cost a fortune.”

“It does.” Susan winks at me. “But Archer said you could have anything you want. He also mentioned you need several winter coats.” She stops to look at me. “What happened to all your other clothes? I noticed your closet is empty.”

“Um, the airline lost my luggage.” I press my lips together, knowing I’m a terrible liar.

“They do that. Don’t they?” She smiles politely. “Try this on. There’s also this cocktail dress that I think will be perfect for tonight’s dinner. Pam, here.” She gestures to one of her assistants. “She has cleared her schedule today so she can stay and tailor any of the dresses you choose so they all fit you perfectly. Mr. Archer said we can work in the room next door.”

Looking at their happy and expectant faces, I can’t bring myself to tell them I don’t want anything from Archer because I’m supposed to hate him. No, not supposed to. I do hate him. I hate that he wants to keep me at arm’s length but also make me eat dinner with him and his girlfriend. I hate that I’m all alone in his house.

“Thank you. This is a great choice.” With a quick nod, I grab the dress and pad over to the bathroom to try it on.

I remove my chunky sweater and pants, then slip on the dress. It fits me like a glove, except for the length. When I turn to face the full-length mirror, I catch Gardenia’s reflection, looking back at me.

“Archer said I could choose a couple of dresses. Do you mind?” she asks.

Technically, the clothes are not mine. So, I shouldn’t mind. But I can’t help but feel jealous that Archer is also buying her clothes. But then I realize, she was here first. I’m the one lusting over her boyfriend. I’m the one who got in the middle. It doesn’t matter that I’m Archer’s wife. She was here first.

“Of course not, help yourself to whatever you want.” I make to leave, but then stop. “I’m sorry Archer had to marry me.”

Her eyebrows go up in surprise, then she laughs. “Is that what you think? That he had to?”

“It’s what he said.” I swallow to mask the slight sting I feel in my chest.

“Okay. We’re doing this.” She scoffs, looking up as if looking for the right words. “Dad wants me to apologize to you.”

“Why?” I let out a nervous chuckle. Gardenia’s energy scares me a little. She’s confident and has no qualms speaking her mind.

“For last night.” She braces her hands on her hips, taking in a breath. “Archer and I have never been together. More than that, he sees me as his little sister. I’ve always known that.” She bites her lip. “When he introduced you as his wife, I kind of lost my shit, you know. I realized him and I can never be.”

“Why are you telling me this?” I ask.

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