Page 16 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“What are you doing?” Gardenia mouths to me. “I thought you said you didn’t want him to get a single dime from you.”

“So he won’t suspect.” I place my hand over my chest and the chunky diamond in the inside pocket of my tuxedo jacket.

“Omigod.” She covers her mouth with her eyes wide open. “You got it.”

“We need to get out of here now.” I gesture toward the second landing, then offer Gardenia my arm.

“On my way.” Jacob turns on the ignition. “Also, heads-up, I don’t have eyes anymore.”

“You were in there for way too long.” Gardenia glances up at me. “I figured we were going to have to make a quick exit. I took the camera down,” she mouths the last part.

“You did the right thing.” I gesture for her to go on. “I can’t leave without saying goodbye.”

“Let me come with you.” She turns to block me with her body.

“You do as I say, that was the deal.” I cock an eyebrow. “Wait for me in the limo.”

“Fine.” She pouts.

I wait until she’s past the foyer and climbs into the limo to go looking for the Senator. It’s a risk. Because even if Paloma chose not to come after me, that doesn’t mean she won’t change her mind. I shoot a quick glance to the top landing, half expecting her to be there waiting for me.

Kissing her again was a mistake. But in the moment, I couldn’t think of another way to stop her from screaming and run out of the room to get help. No doubt the Senator’s bodyguards are on duty to make sure Chuck stays in his room. That means multiple trips up to the third floor. To say that we got lucky tonight is a huge understatement. I press my hand to my chest to feel the gemstone in my pocket.

“Mr. Archer.” The Senator excuses himself from his current conversation and makes his way over to me. “I was just about to come up to check on Chuck. How is he?”

“He’s out for the night.” I stuff my hands in my pockets. “He won’t remember a thing in the morning.” I make a show of looking around. “Paloma also decided to leave us.”

“Yes, she wishes she could’ve stayed to say goodbye. But poor thing, she was exhausted.”

“Right. And she has an early day tomorrow.” An image of her in my arms rushes to the forefront of my mind. She didn’t seem tired to me.

“I wanted to thank you for your assistance. It’s rare for Chuck to leave a party without making a spectacle of himself.” He shakes his head, his eyes full of disappointment.

I can’t help but feel sorry for Chuck. Now I understand why he would rather drink himself stupid than deal with his father’s disappointment.

“He’ll be gone soon enough, I’m sure.” I shrug to hide my disgust. “He mentioned he wanted to return to London soon. I’d like to see him again before he does.”

“I think that’s a marvelous idea. You’re a good influence on him. I can see that.” He braces his hand on my shoulder with a fatherly look on his face.

It takes all my self-control not to take a half-step back and punch him in the neck. For several beats, I imagine him gasping for air, doubled over on the floor, while everyone around us simply watches him suffer.

“I have to go now.” I move out of his reach. “I’m glad we finally got to meet.” I make to leave.

“Mr. Archer,” he calls after me.

When I turn to face him, he gestures for one of his bodyguards. My whole-body tenses as my heart thrashes in my ears. Does he know I took the pink diamond from his daughter? Just because she didn’t come running after me doesn’t mean she didn’t talk to one of his men.

“Archer, get out of there.” Fisher’s words echo in my head.

“Archer.” Gardenia’s voice breaks.

The only exit is behind me, thronged by a bunch of drunk people most of whom are wearing big dresses and masks. If the Senator and his bodyguards want to grab me and throw me in the cellar for days, there’s nothing Fisher or Jacob can do to help me. There’s nothing I can do to help myself either.

I stand glued to the floor as I watch him give his bodyguard instructions. When he returns, he hands me a white stock card. “I’m hosting a birthday party for Chuck next weekend. He hasn’t been home in years. I figured we should celebrate. At any rate, I’m sure he would be delighted if you joined us.”

I’m certain the only reason for this party is so he can get more donors through the door. It’s all I can do not to roll my eyes at him.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I force a smile and accept the invitation he offers me.

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