Page 10 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“Pfft.” Gardenia scoffs. “That wasn’t Tristan. It was Dad who hacked into the student records and upped his failing grade.”

“Not my proudest moment,” Fisher mumbles. “How is he already drunk? The party just started. He’s nothing if not consistent.”

“Well, we need him drunker. I’d say give him the sedative anyway.” Jacob types on his keyboard. “Tristan, the Senator is at your eight o’clock. He’s watching the two of you.”

“It’s good to see you, old friend.” I pat Chuck on his shoulder, ignoring Gardenia’s and Fisher’s commentary. “I had hoped you’d be here. How have you been?”

“Better now that you’re here. God. I haven’t seen you in ages. Drink up, man.” He places the tumbler in my hand then gestures for the bartender to give him one.

The bartender hesitates as he raises his gaze over our heads. Chuck follows his line of sight and lets out a loud breath. “Hey, you have to meet Dad.”

“Here we go,” Gardenia echoes my feelings.

For years, Chuck tried to introduce me to his father. But I always found an excuse to get out of it or make myself scarce when the Senator visited Oxford. I wasn’t ready then. But now, I’m ready to face the monster under my bed. I want to confront him and tell him I’m coming for him. But that part will have to wait. Patience.

I fist my hands, taking in a deep breath. I hold it for several seconds and then slowly release it. Meanwhile, Chuck is gripping the bartender by the collar of his jester coat and talking fast in his ear. Chuck never liked being told what to do. His father had said no to another drink, and so now he was determined to get one more.

“Guys, you’re not gonna believe this. I just saw this woman swipe a Rolex off an old man,” she laughs. “Do we know anyone who likes to take advantage of unsuspecting, horny men?”

I slow-blink and scan the room for Gardenia. But all I find is a sea of colorful masks glittering under the chandelier lights. It doesn’t matter that I don’t see the one face tattooed on my mind. My heart races just the same.

“Cheers.” Chuck chinks my glass. “Let’s go meet the old man. Yeah?”

“Lead the way.” I gesture toward his dad, who’s been eyeing us since Chuck pulled me into a hug.

“Tristan, I see five hits on your company’s website,” Fisher says in my ear. “You’re definitely on the Senator’s radar now.”

I nod and plaster a pleasant smile on my face as I watch the Senator dip his head to read something on his assistant’s iPad. When we’re within earshot, he sends the assistant away.

“Dad, I’d like—” Chuck starts.

“You must be the famous Mr. Archer” Maurice Davis offers me his hand.

I glare at his long fingers. For a moment, I hear my father’s screams inside my head. I swallow the bitter taste coating the back of my throat and shake my father’s killer’s hand. “Pleasure to finally meet you, Senator Davis.”

“I hear the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for the sizable donation.” He flashes me a smile that feels sincere.

In fact, everything about the man in front of me feels authentic and non-threatening. He’s charming even. The salt and pepper hair and medium height and build make him look like the dad next door. My own dad called this man his friend once. But only because he didn’t know who Maurice Davis really was at his core.

“I was happy to contribute and do my part. I’m looking to settle down in New York.” I stop to inhale, and her scent hits me again like an avalanche.

“Yes, seems we’re neighbors now. We will have to host you and your family soon. A small gathering. I’m always happy to meet Chuck’s good friends.”

“Yeah, especially the ones donating a million dollars to his campaign.” Gardenia scoffs. “I thought you said you were not going to give him any money.”

“Tristan has a plan, Gardenia,” her father answers for me.

I shake my head to warn them to keep the chatter down. And then, there it is again. Her scent blankets the room again. But this time, there is no mistaking who wears that distinct perfume. My gaze cuts to the woman speaking in Chuck’s ear. He holds her in a tight and familiar embrace. She wears a mask, but I recognize the smooth skin of her collarbone, the pout of her lips, and her voice. The sound is faint, not enough for me to decipher her words, but the timbre hits me square in the chest just the same. My gaze lingers on the piece of jewelry hanging from her neck.

The Senator chuckles next to me. “Allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Mr. Archer.”

“Oh shit,” Gardenia blurts out in my ear. “Tristan, I found the guest directory. The sex worker is really here. She’s the Senator’s daughter.”

“I think he already figured that out, Gardenia.” Jacob swears under his breath.

“Everyone, hush. Let the man think.” Fisher comes to my rescue.

“Archer.” Chuck beats the Senator to the punch this time. “Meet my little sister.”

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