Page 89 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“No worries at all.” She smiles politely. “Your husband explained. It was quite a fall you took.”

“Right. Yeah.” I stuff my hand in my hair, unsure on what to say next.

“You married recently? Congratulations.” She gestures to the bed.

I guess we’re doing this here. I lie down and wait for her to give me further instructions. “Yeah, it was one of those elope weddings. Archer wanted to get married as soon as possible.”

She laughs. “Yeah, I got the sense he’s not the patient type. I didn’t have an opening for another three months. But all of the sudden, my entire afternoon cleared up this morning. So here I am.”

Jeez, did Archer bully all the other women into canceling their appointments. No, he wouldn’t do that. He probably paid them all off. That’s more his speed. There’s not much Archer can’t solve with his wealth and influence.

“I’m sorry.” I offer her a shy smile.

“Don’t be.” She winks. “He’s making it well worth my while. He’s also hard to say no to.”

“He came to see you in person?” I ask.

“He did.” She blushes a little, and I can’t help but feel jealous.

It’s irrational. Archer should be able to talk to whomever he wants. But I can’t help but notice how beautiful Dr. Fern is. She’s tall with long legs and big boobs, and well, she’s also a freaking doctor. Does Archer like particularly smart women? I hate myself for how long I let that question linger in my mind.

“I’m assuming you want birth control?” she asks.

“Yes. Thank you. And also, maybe a plan B?” I say tentatively.

Archer didn’t exactly say he wanted me to get on the pill. Well, technically, he didn’t say anything at all. He just ordered his housekeeper to wake me up in time for my appointment. I slept in his arms again. And still, I don’t know if he wants me as his wife or his little pet. What’s worst is that he didn’t say if we would ever have a repeat of last night.

“Of course, whatever you need. I came prepared.” She smiles.

It’s all over quickly, and somehow not awkward at all once she got started with the exam. By the time she leaves, I have a three-month supply of birth control pills and the emergency contraception. I stay in the room a little longer, but it feels so empty and lonely without Archer filling every corner with his energy. He’s not in his suite either, but at least when I’m in his bed, I have his scent to keep me company.

I return to Archer’s suite to get dressed. The whole time I’m half expecting him to walk through the door, but he never does. He’s determined to stay away from me.

I amble to the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and peek at the snow-covered grounds. It’s so beautiful. From up here, I can see the pond in the distance. I rub my arms as a cold shiver travels up my back. If Archer hadn’t gotten to me when he did, I wouldn’t be here right now. I open the door and walk up to the terrace wall. That’s when I hear him. Archer’s laugh is intoxicating. I’m smiling along with him for a whole minute before I realize he’s not alone.

A gorgeous, tall blonde hangs from his arm as they stroll up the garden path back toward the house as if they’d been out there together for a long time. What is it with him and blondes? Jealousy-induced adrenaline lurches through me. I am not an irrational person. But what I feel is exactly that because Archer isn’t mine. He’s always been very clear on that point. Sure, last night I managed to get him to drop his shield for a bit. But that doesn’t mean anything until he says the words aloud:Paloma, I’m yours.

But looking at this woman and how easy he acts around her, I can’t help but wonder if she’s the reason he can’t have a real marriage with me.

“I didn’t want to marry her.”His words to Gardenia echo in my head.

I fist my hands. Is he in love with her?

“Archer,” she shrieks, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him on the lips.

I glare at them, heat rising to my cheeks. What the fuck? Stomping back inside, I slam the glass door shut, and then, head downstairs. Sure, I’ll admit, I never asked for fidelity on his part. And thinking back on the contract I signed, I’m the only one who’s required to be his, to live in his house and sleep in his bed. My body belongs to him, for him to do whatever he chooses with me. On the other hand, the contract doesn’t require him to be exclusive to me or give me anything in return…apart from marrying me, that is. And he was very clear on that bit—our marriage isn’t real.

But just because I understand the terms of our arrangement, it doesn’t mean I’m willing to stand back and watch him make out with another woman right under my nose.

I’m breathing fire by the time I reach the bottom of the steps. I enter the living room just as Mary Jane is leaving Archer’s study. I make my way to her just as the garden door opens and in strolls Archer and the demigoddess, still smiling at each other. Her cheeks and nose are pink from the cold, or maybe she’s just blushing because Archer made some sexy remark that’s got her all hot and bothered.

“Paloma,” Archer greets me.

I ignore him. “Mary Jane, could you ask William to pull the car around? I’m heading out.”

The chill that blankets the entire floor makes me shiver. When I look back at Archer, his face is blank and even his lady friend is a step away from him.

“William is busy running an errand for me.” He clenches his jaw. “Where are you going? If it’s important—” He puts emphasis on the wordimportant. “I can take you.”

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