Page 58 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“We’ll deal with that later.” I nod. “For now, the top priority is bringing Mom home. She’s been gone a long time. It’s time we all stop running.”

“You don’t think it’s dangerous?” Fisher reaches across from him and takes another piece of bread. “The Senator might be down for now. But he still has powerful friends.”

“Not anymore, he doesn’t.” I press my lips together. “At this rate, we might not have to do much for him to lose the upcoming election.”

“We could let Page Six know about a certain auction he hosted. He’ll lose all credibility.” She beams before she drinks from her wine.

I would never put Paloma through something like that. It would kill her. “Like I said, we’re holding tight for now. Mom is the priority. I wish I could come with you.”

“Another thing we can thank her for.” Gardenia rolls her eyes.

“So that’s it, then? We’re going back to London?” Jacob asks, meeting Gardenia’s gaze.

“Yes.” I nod. “The sooner the better.”

“It will be good to go home for a bit.” Fisher smiles as he cuts the meat on his plate. “Freya misses you.”

“I miss her too,” I admit.

When I set out for New York, I convinced Mom to stay in the UK. I didn’t know what challenges we were going to face once my plan against the Senator was well on its way. Plus, I didn’t want her to see her old house in the condition I found it. But now that months of renovations are paying off, I think it will be good for her to finally come live with us.

I should be the one traveling to London to escort her back to the states. But the truth is, I don’t trust Paloma yet. Every time I think of leaving her, I can’t breathe.

“Then it’s settled.” Fisher dips his head toward me. “We’re going home this weekend.”

“How long are we staying for?” Gardenia asks.

“Just a few days.” Fisher winks. “Archer needs us here.”

I don’t miss the pity in his eyes. What does he think will happen if he leaves me here to fend for myself? That I’ll lock myself up in my room and self-destruct. Or worse, set the Senator’s home on fire. The thought crosses my mind every fucking day…to take the way he took from me. I resist the urge because Paloma doesn’t deserve to lose her childhood home.

After dinner, I return to the study. Fisher and Jacob join me for several rounds of whiskey. Normally Gardenia would join as well, but not tonight.

“Give her time.” Fisher guesses my thoughts as he places a glass in my hand. “She’s embarrassed.”

“I don’t know how I didn’t see it.” I sip the whiskey. “I’m deeply sorry for that. For not putting an end to a childish crush.”

“She’ll be fine.” Jacob refills my glass.

“I’ve been so focused on the Senator and now…” My gaze shifts toward the door, half expecting to see Paloma standing there. “And now I have a wife.”

“It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” Fisher raises his tumbler and drinks.

The old man has been trying to convince me that sometimes the universe has a way of shoving down our throats things that are good for us but that we are too stubborn to accept. I believe we make our own destinies. Destiny has nothing to do with my marriage to Paloma. Sometimes, plans have to change to fit the situation. That’s what happened with Paloma. I adapted. Nothing more.

“I don’t think Paloma would agree with you on that one.” I gulp down more whiskey. “I don’t know if you notice, but she hates my guts.”

“Hmm,” Jacob mumbles. “Some women don’t take kindly to being saved.”

I chuckle. “Feeling poetic tonight?”

“Nah. Just wondering what makes woman want what they want.” He stares at his tumbler as if the answer is somewhere at the bottom of it.

It’s not. I should know.

I meet Fisher’s gaze, silently asking what’s going on with Jacob. He shakes his head, rolling his eyes, then mouths, “Another time.”

“Well, I’m drunk,” Jacob announces. “I’m going to bed.”

---