Page 78 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

CHAPTER19

WHY ARE YOU NAKED?

Archer

I leave the office early because as much as I’d like to pretend that I’m being productive, the truth is that I’m not. I can’t keep my mind off of Paloma, and what she may be doing to get away from me. The feeling is utterly irrational because she has nowhere to go. The Senator has gone down the rabbit hole of booze and gambling since she left. Or since I took her away. He’s gone off the deep end so far that I have actually considered calling off the rest of my plans.

No, I can’t do that. That bastard deserves every bit that’s coming for him. I cannot back down just because his daughter has me completely spellbound. I pinch the bridge of my nose. As soon as I close my eyes, I feel her in my arms and taste her on my tongue. Jesus, how the hell has she managed to get under my skin this much and this fast?

“We’re here, sir.” My driver meets my gaze in the rearview mirror.

“Thanks, Will.” I nod. “You made record time.”

“As requested, sir.” He smiles politely. “Also, it’s pork chops night in the kitchen.” He chuckles. “Oh sorry.”

“It’s alright. Mary Jane’s pork chops are the best. Enjoy.” I make to leave.

He climbs out of the car and rushes to open my door. “Your briefcase.” He hands it to me.

“Thanks.” I grab it and saunter inside.

My pulse picks up the pace when the door opens. “Welcome back, Mr. Archer.”

No fucking idea why I thought Paloma might want to play the dutiful wife and wait for me by the door. It’s a fantasy that played in my head most of the way here. Wasn’t that what we’ve been doing as of late, anyway…playing house?

“Thank you.” I surrender my briefcase. “I’ll change and take my drink in the study.”

“Of course. Bar is ready for you. Would you like me to prepare a special cocktail?” she asks.

“That’s actually a good idea. How about a lavender gimlet for Mrs. Archer.” I pause when she flinches for a fraction of a second. “Is something wrong?”

“Well. Mrs. Archer decided on an early dinner. She’s already retired for the night.” She swallows.

Anger pools in the pit of my stomach. My hand itches, and it’s all I can do not to run up the stairs.

She points upstairs “Should I let her know you’d?—”

“Thanks for letting me know. I can take it from here,” I cut her off.

With a horror-stricken face, she steps to the side to let me pass. I inhale to calm the fuck down and head upstairs. Last night, I was sure I made my point on where we stood with dinner. More than that, I thought that after giving her the orgasm she’s been craving she would be more amiable today. Even this morning, things between us felt easier. She seemed to understand that I’m already giving her as much as I can—more than I’ve ever given before.

I knock on her door.

No answer.

I turn the knob and push the door open. The minute I see her empty tray on her writing desk, my muscles tense. Something isn’t right. This is more than a display of defiance on her part. I stomp to her closet and slow down when I find everything in its place. Not that she would take all the clothes she has here when her father has all her actual clothes. I check the terrace to make sure she isn’t out there.

If Mary Jane knew Paloma wasn’t in her room, she would’ve said so earlier. I grip the rails and scan the grounds. And then I see it, a flashlight halfway down to the back gate. I can’t confirm that’s her. There’s only one way to find out. Whatever her reason for being out there at this hour and with this inclement weather cannot be good.

I head upstairs first to change out of my suit and put on clothes more appropriate for hiking. Mary Jane meets me at the bottom of the stairs. Or rather, she’s waiting, like she never left. What did she think I was going to do to Paloma?

“She’s not in her room,” I say.

“Oh.” She clutches her collar. “I didn’t know. I would’ve said something.”

“It’s all right. I think she’s in the gardens. I’m going there now.” I make to leave then stop. Fisher taught me to never go on a mission without a team. “Can you get William to meet me by the garden house.”

“Of course. He’s actually in the kitchen eating supper.” She gestures for me to go on.

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