Page 55 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“Because, according to Dad, I acted like a total brat and made you feel unwelcome.” She presses her lips together. “You’re already here. And you’re Archer’s wife. So, what’s the point?” She turns to leave but then faces me again. “Don’t break his heart.”

“He would need to have one for that to happen.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“He does. And it’s a big one.” She forces a smile. “You’re very lucky. He’s kind and generous. Yeah, he’s a grump, but he can also be fun. Or he used to be fun.”

“I’ve yet to see that side of him.” I can’t help but feel a little jealous that Gardenia knows a side of Archer that is kind and fun.

“I think he loves you. He just hasn’t figured it out yet.” She runs a hand through her hair.

“He said he couldn’t love me.” I have no idea why I’m confiding in her now.

“I mean, you’re you, you’re your father’s daughter. But still.” She gestures to my dress. “Look at you.” She shakes her head.

“What does it matter who my father is?” I ask.

My father is not perfect. But that doesn’t mean Archer can judge him. I rub the inside of my wrist. Dad must be destroyed right about now. I could see it in his eyes, how much it pained him to let me do this for him.

“Well, you’re here because of him, aren’t you? Anyway, I’m going to take a few dresses to my room and try them on.”

“Yeah, go ahead. Take anything you want.” I follow her to the bedroom and wait until she picks out a few things.

“Bye.” She waves and walks out, leaving the door wide opened.

In the next breath, Archer appears and leans his shoulder on the frame. “I just saw Gardenia leaving your room. Is everything okay?”

“Yes.” My gaze flicks to Susan, then back to Archer. “She came to apologize for last night.”

“Really?” He glances behind him for a moment. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” I nod, not moving an inch. I don’t want him in my room. I just don’t trust myself around him. If he rejects me one more time, I don’t know what I will do. “Thank you for the clothes. It’s very generous of you.” I gesture toward the hallway.

And he takes it for what it is—an invitation to leave.

He purses his lips, takes a quick glance at Susan and Pam, who are busy arranging the clothes I already opted to keep. When I turn to leave, he takes a single step inside my room.

I hug myself, trying very hard not to picture him shirtless. I still have the strong urge to kiss him and touch his entire naked body.

“Last night we didn’t get a chance to talk.” He wanders to my desk and picks up the crystal swan. He grips it tight with long fingers in a way that’s extremely erotic. His shoulders tense, and I can see he’s angry. “I came to your door, but you didn’t open.”

“I think we’ve taken enough of your time. If you need anything else, Pam will be next door working on your dresses.” Susan’s voice cuts through the tension building between Archer and me.

I have no doubt that’s the only reason why they’re making a quick exit. As much as I don’t want to be left alone with Archer, I know it’ s not fair to keep them here indefinitely. “Thank you. I’m good for now.”

“It was a pleasure serving you.” She shakes my hand, then Archer’s. “Please do call again if you need anything else.”

“I will.” I hold the door open as they cart out their mostly empty garment racks.

As soon as Archer and I are alone, the raw energy around us intensifies. Jesus, am I ever going to feel normal around him? Or am I to live the rest of my days in this constant state of wanting him and hating him?

“What do you want?” I ask.

“This morning you left before I could warn you.” He sets the swan back on the desk. “You’re free to roam the grounds, but make sure you stay within the property walls. There’s a pond beyond the gate, the moisture rises and makes it hard to see out there. It’s dangerous especially in this weather.”

“Okay. Anything else?” I grip the doorknob.

“The third floor is off-limits,” he continues.

“What’s up there?” I blurt out.

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